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Vito Mannone - 6
Made a couple of good saves to ensure the clean sheet. His distribution was also pretty accurate.
Chris Gunter - 6
Had ample space down the right hand side for the majority of the game and managed to put a few decent crosses into the box.
Paul McShane - 6
Kept the Birmingham front line very very quiet, and managed to complete the game even though he was hobbling around midway through the second half.
Liam Moore - 7
Made an awesome block towards the end of the game was generally reliable all game. Bit of a nervy time to see him also pick up a knock after that block but hopefully there is no longer term issues from that.
Tiago Ilori - 6
Another one of our defenders who looked like he was struggling towards the end of the game. Just part of a good defensive performance.
Tyler Blackett - 6
Probably his best game in that wing back position, Blackett looked more confident going forward. On occasions he complicated things for himself, but personally I thought it was a good performance, topped off by getting an assist for the first goal.
Liam Kelly - 6
Made himself useful in midfield and managed to get a couple of attempts at goal. He's still improving from game to game and I think he's going to have a really important role to play in our midfield this season.
Joey Van Den Berg - 6
Added some strength and structure to our midfield. And I'd forgotten how good he can pick a pass out. Some of his cross field balls were something to admire.
Leandro Bacuna - 6
Made himself useful in midfield and was part of the build up to Bodvarsson's goal. I really enjoyed seeing those three in midfield on Saturday, they really complimented each other well.
Modou Barrow - 6
If we forget about the sitter he missed, I'd say he had a pretty decent game.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson - 7
A strong performance up top from the Icelander, and scored a great header for his first goal for the Royals. If we don't sign another striker before the end of the transfer window, it could be a pretty big season for Bodvarsson.
Subs
George Evans - 6
Made an impact as soon as he came on and his goal was a lovely finish.
Garath McCleary - 5
Still looks a little off the pace we were used to seeing from him last season but assisted the second goal.
Sam Smith - N/A
Poll
Who was your man of the match against Birmingham City?
This poll is closed
-
0%
Vito Mannone
-
3%
Chris Gunter
-
1%
Paul McShane
-
8%
Liam Moore
-
0%
Tiago Ilori
-
5%
Tyler Blackett
-
9%
Liam Kelly
-
3%
Joey van den Berg
-
4%
Leandro Bacuna
-
0%
Modou Barrow
-
57%
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson
-
2%
George Evans
-
0%
Garath McCleary