Brentford FC 1-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone: 6

A quiet afternoon for the Italian stopper. Produce a couple of decent saves but was rarely tested by the Brentford attack despite a wealth of chances. Still questions over his distribution.

Chris Gunter: 6

Once again another typical Chris Gunter performance. Steady down the right-hand side and produced a couple of excellent blocks. Despite offering very little going forward, this was one of the Welshman’s better performances this season.

Paul McShane: 5

The usually reliable captain looked uncomfortable dealing with the pace of Jozefoon and Maupay and gave the ball away in dangerous positions too often. An early yellow for a cynical foul didn’t help matters.

Liam Moore: 7

Stepped in to spare McShane’s blushes on several occasions. A little shaky in the first half but excellent in the second. Made more interceptions, passes and clearances than any other player on the pitch and won the penalty which clinched the draw.

Tyler Blackett: 4

The former Manchester United man was sloppy in possession and backed out of multiple 50/50 challenges in the first half. Absent in the build up to the Brentford goal and offered nothing going forward. One outstanding block in the box is the only thing saving his performance.

Joey van den Berg: 7

Say what you like about Joey but the Dutchman was one of a few Reading players to get stuck in during the first half. Calm in possession and won several key tackles in the midfield. Shaky at times but a solid performance nonetheless.

Dave Edwards: 5

Lots of effort but little quality was the story of the day for Edwards. You can’t fault his effort but the former Wolves man failed to make an impact on the game. Another hampered by an early yellow card.

Liam Kelly: 6

August’s Player of the Month was given much more of a license to attack than in previous games this season but looked fairly anonymous amongst a scrappy first half. Took his penalty well for the goal but never really got into the game.

Garath McCleary: 4

It pains me to say it but it’s hard not to feel that McCleary’s best days aren’t behind him after watching his performances so far this season. Anonymous for virtually the whole game but for a few neat touches here and there.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 5

A very quiet afternoon for the Icelandic striker, who was subbed off at half time. Saw one shot blocked after a good run early on but offered very little up top with The Royals camped in their own half.

Sone Aluko: 6

The only player who looked like creating something for Reading. Some neat touches in and around the box and nearly won the game in injury time with a rocket of a shot from 30 yards out which cannoned off the bar. Aluko could be a very exciting player this season.

Subs

Roy Beerens: 6

Came on for Bodvarsson at half time and came a fingertip away from curling a beautiful strike into the top corner to put Reading on level terms. Some neat flicks and tricks, but the Dutchman struggled physically against the Brentford defence.

Jordan Obita: 5

Replaced Tyler Blackett in the second half and similarly struggled to deal with the pace of Jozefoon down Brentford’s right. His performances will surely improve as he gets back to full fitness following injury.

Leandro Bacuna: N/A

The Curacao international midfielder replaced Liam Kelly but was unable to really make an impact on the game. Not on long enough to mark.

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