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Ali Al-Habsi: 6
Didn't have much to do but in the one big ask of him he maybe could have done better and not palmed the ball out so easily for Tom Cairney to score.
Paul McShane: 6
Only not a seven because of his red card which on watching the highlights is a clear red. Did superbly for Obita's goal, winning the ball, striding forward confidently and making the final assist. Will be missed in the second leg.
Liam Moore: 7
So cool, calm and collected. Never fazed and dealt comfortable with Chris Martin to the extent the big striker was hauled off fairly early. Will need to be a leader at the Madejski Stadium.
Tyler Blackett: 7
Looks so much better in a three man defence. Grew as the game went on.
Chris Gunter: 7
Excellent game and his bit of passion towards the away fans at the end is an example of why Gunter is a rarity amongst footballers in being one of us: a fan (admittedly a Bluebird but we'll let that slide). Having no winger to support him seems to bring the best out of him.
George Evans: 6
Presumably only started due to Kelly's illness. In the end his more physical and steady presence may have been a good thing.
Danny Williams: 7
Would be an eight but it was him who switched off and didn't track Scott Malone's run for the equaliser. May be slightly unfair given how hard he worked. He was all over the pitch and still sprinting around in injury time.
Jordan Obita: 8
No question who is Reading's most improved player this season. Was superb in defence and is starting to add goals to his game. I hope him being carried off on a stretcher due to a twisted ankle after the game was a precaution. Would be a huge loss for Tuesday if he misses out.
John Swift: 6
Had a poor first half, struggling to get into the game and often losing the ball. To his credit he never went hiding, kept looking for the ball, worked hard and did get better after the break.
Lewis Grabban: 7
Lively performance and almost fashioned up a second goal. His confidence has definitely returned.
Yann Kermorgant: 7
Quiet game by his standards. One clever attempt at goal. Linked up well with Grabban.
Substitutes
Joseph Mendes: N/A
The whole team's excellent attitude was personified by Mendes. Knew he would be substituted after McShane's red card so did the old footballer trick of running out to the far wing. His body language showed that whilst disappointed he knew him coming off was the right decision.
Joey van den Berg: 6
Steadied the ship. Good to have him back and he may start on Tuesday if Obita misses out.
Tiago Ilori: N/A
Wasn't on long but was part of a tiring defence that didn't give Fulham a sniff after we went down to 10 men.
Who was YOUR man of the match? Vote in our poll at the bottom of the page, and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Average Rating: 6.7
Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:
6.8 - Leeds H (W 1-0)
6.7 - Preston H (W 1-0)
6.7 - Sheff Wed A (W 2-0)
5.9 - AVERAGE
4.7 - Brentford A (L 1-4)
4.4 - Fulham A (L 0-5)
2.1 - Norwich A (L 1-7)
Season's Ratings: