Reading FC 0-2 Swansea City: Player Ratings

Anssi Jaakkola: 6

A mixed performance from the Finnish keeper. He produced a great one-on-one save in the first half from Narsingh and cannot be faulted for either of the Swansea goals. However, his distribution was inconsistent and his confusion over whether a ball at his feet had come from an Ilori backpass would have been comical, if I hadn’t nearly had a heart attack as the ball was cleared for a corner.

Chris Gunter: 6

It seems like we keep saying it week after week: once again another typical Chris Gunter performance. The full-back is an increasingly steadying presence down the right-hand side and even produced some swashbuckling forward runs. The Welshman also gets bonus points for being one of the few players to come and clap the fans after the match – a simple touch which reminds us that he’s no coward when it comes to facing this slight slump in the Royals’ form.

Tiago Ilori: 5

The Portuguese was not at his best and seems to be suffering from the way he has drifted in and out of the starting line-up this season. Against Wilfried Bony in his pomp, I would have expected him to struggle. Against an out-of-form Wilfried Bony, I thought he did well – but could have done better. His composure on the ball was lacking, notably leading to misplaced passes and one Maggie Simpson style faceplant as he tried to evade Swansea’s Ivorian frontman.

Liam Moore: 6

His solid performance could have earned Moore a higher rating, but we’ve come to expect a lot from the centre-back. Commanding as always, he put in some impressive blocks and challenges. Watching back Mawson’s goal, he was nearest to the opposition’s number 6 – but appeared to be marking Bony, so shouldn’t be criticised.

Jordan Obita: 6

A decidedly average performance on his return from injury. The left-back’s contributions going forward was a noticeable improvement in Reading’s attacking play, but he was off the pace. Before his 62nd minute substitution he was given a torrid time by Wayne Routledge and his frustration showed near the end of the first half.

George Evans: 6

As the deep-lying midfielder in Stam’s system, George did his job efficiently. Defensively he seemed solid, although Mawson may have been his man for the Swansea opener. His passing was sharp, aside from when he found referee Andy Davies, leading to Swansea’s second.

Leandro Bacuna: 6

A fairly uneventful game for the Curacao international, who did come out of his battle with fellow internationals Leroy Fer and Renato Sanches with a yellow card. After seeing a glimpse of his attacking prowess with his goal against Millwall, it wasn’t surprising to see him burst forward with intent at times, also coming close to a consolation goal with a curling shot late in the game. Having lived with Aston Villa fans the last two years, I know that consistency is key in Bacuna’s game – hopefully more games will see him fulfil his potential in blue and white.

John Swift: 4

The less said about Swift’s game, the better. Aside from a tame effort into the hands of Kristoffer Nordfeldt, the playmaker struggled on his return from injury. Almost every involvement felt too rushed, or too complacent. His willingness to show for the ball at all times, and to try tricks, means that a bad day for Swift is conspicuous. Replaced after 55 minutes, he needs time to get back to pace.

Adrian Popa: 6

The Romanian wide-man knows that his position at the club is under challenge, due to the huge competition to play on the wings, and stood out. His pace and trickery means that he could be seen as similar to Mo Barrow and, like the Gambian Royal, he provided a creative attacking outlet in blue and white. Substituted after 75 minutes, the only question mark has to be his fitness.

Pelle Clement: 5

An unremarkable game from Clement, who started as the false nine spearheading the Royals attack. He drifted around the pitch, contributing to build up play and working hard, without making any particularly exciting contributions. Pushed out wide after Bodvarsson’s introduction, he failed to make any real impact.

Roy Beerens: 6

The Dutch wide-man put in a fairly typical performance, providing some creativity out wide. At times, he operated as the main attacking outlet for Reading, although his lack of pace and aerial ability really showed. Came close to scoring in the first half as his curling effort whizzed over the top corner of the Swansea net.

Subs

Liam Kelly: 6

Came on for Swift and injected some aggression and intent into what was a fairly toothless performance. As always, he contributed with some neat build-up play, but cannot be Reading’s saviour every week.

Tyler Blackett: 6

Replaced Obita just after the hour mark and did his best to offer an attacking presence as Reading chased the game. Put in some big tackles, including one near the centre circle that could have gone horribly wrong, but didn’t. It will be interesting to see whether Obita’s return spurs him to up his game.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: N/A

Came on for the last 15 minutes, but I can’t remember him touching the ball. At one point it appeared that he had to be told by Clement to get into the box, as the wide-man attempted to create some space.

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