Reading FC 1-2 Norwich City: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone - 5

Given all his shouting and screaming prior to the opening goal of the game, he probably shouldn’t completely escape the blame, although it was almost unstoppable. Should have done better with the second. Aside from the goals he had a fairly quiet game in between the sticks, and handled his duties well enough.

Chris Gunter - 6

Stayed back more this game than he has in recent weeks, though this might have helped him. Seems to work better when the defence is a four, and he didn’t have a really bad moment in the game. Unlucky for his second half effort to clip the bar, as he could have provided a route back into the game, but he was once again the consummate professional we have gotten used to.

Tyler Blackett - 4

His usual underwhelming self, Blackett was at fault for the second goal as Cameron Jerome lost his attention to head the ball. Didn’t offer a lot even with the space in front of him, and being replaced by youngster Omar Richards midway through the second half perhaps suggests that Stam wanted something different.

Paul McShane - 5

Looked unable to control team and was nervy at the back in the first half, but got more comfortable as the game went on. Was second-best alongside partner Liam Moore, not quite matching up to his solid play of last season.

Liam Moore - 6

Good header to score first goal for Reading and competent at the back when required, a standard performance from the former Premier League player. Seemed visibly upset late on when he missed another header so the form Reading are currently suffering is probably damaging his morale a bit.

Leandro Bacuna - 6

His movement across the pitch was sufficient enough to warrant his selection, and he worked on the left side a bit which helped given the lack of service coming from Blackett and Roy Beerens. Personally still unsure of where he fits into the side, but one of our fittest players at the moment.

Joey van den Berg - 6

Silly challenge at the start of the game led to opening goal, but his aggressive output in midfield was a rare sight given his ‘moonlighting’ stints in defence recently. Given he appears to have Stam’s ears, and trusts, he could do more to influence the side if they want to play the way Stam wants.

Liam Kelly - 5

Determined as usual, but unable to exert much influence on the game himself. Pushed forward a bit in lieu of John Swift not being on the pitch, but his recent goal-scoring form has unfortunately for him raised expectations of the youngster, and he will have to continue performing if he doesn’t want last season to be a blip.

Garath McCleary - 5

Seems to be a pale imitation of the player we saw last season. A couple of close efforts tonight, with the odd darting run to remind the fans of what he added to the team, but still short of his best as he continues to recover from injury. The best is (hopefully!) yet to come.

Sone Aluko - 6

Good free kick to assist in the equaliser, and kept putting himself in good positions forward. One of the better performers on the day as he constantly made himself an outlet, and a little hard done by to come off when he did, as he still had something to offer the team.

Roy Beerens - 5

Beerens seems to be getting frustrated at himself now, as he continues to put in a display which doesn’t match up to what we know he can do. With so many wingers now in the squad, he will want to make sure his performances keep up otherwise he will find himself on the bench, or worse.

Subs:

Jón Daði Böðvarsson - 6

Last Saturday he was the hero with a last minute goal securing a 1-1 draw with Hull City in the Championship, but he was unable to summon up the same this week. Not entirely his fault, as the way Norwich approached the final part of the game meant his options were limited. Will need to prove his worth before Yann Kermorgant returns to action.

Modou Barrow - 5

There were once again glimpses of what we have seen Barrow do this season, but, like above, the opposition didn’t allow him to be a threat in the final moments of the game. He should certainly be pushing for selection after the international break, as he looks like he could be the ‘new McCleary’ in town. An average display today, though.

Omar Richards - 5

His small stature made it hard to see the youngster at times, but he appeared fairly confident at the back given his relative youth and inexperience. It would be too much to praise him right now but also too harsh to belittle him. One to watch.