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International breaks are always pretty horrible, even when your club has been performing like Reading have in recent weeks. However, the Royals managed to kick-start this next block of games with a home win against visitors Millwall.
So far, the story of Reading’s season has been the failure to build on the rare occasion where we’ve put in a decent display and got the win. But now, building on this win is a must. It’s getting to a very important part of the season for Reading as the table starts to spread out, and Paul Clement cannot let us slip any further into the relegation scrap. Otherwise it’s going to be a long season.
Here’s how the the fans reacted to see of the games key talking points on Twitter...
Anssi Jaakkola
I think it’s fair to say the Finnish keeper has been nothing more than a bit-part player since he joined in 2016, but his fans, team mates and manager will all be thanking him for his performance on Saturday afternoon.
The 31 year-old pulled off some vital and fantastic saves to make sure that Reading got the win they desperately needed. As Sam Walker did when he came into the side, Jaakkola has certainly done his chances of being Reading’s number one no harm after a fine display.
The fans certainly enjoyed the former Ajax Cape Town man’s performance...
Jaakkola proving us all wrong today. Top drawer so far. #readingfc
— Nath St Paul (@NathStPaul) October 20, 2018
Well done to @anssi_jaakkola he has been sooo patient and certainly took his chance when it came to him today. The result could have been very different #readingfc
— Clare Hawkins (@Clare_RFC) October 20, 2018
Can't take the gloves off @anssi_jaakkola after that performance, surely? His to lose given Mannone and Walker have both been unconvincing. #ReadingFC
— Matheus de Andrade (@maffff) October 20, 2018
Jaakola is my MOTM #readingfc
— Cheryl (@cher_1982) October 20, 2018
Yakou Meite
Meite is certainly a player who splits opinion. He is way off the finished product but it’s clear to see that there is a good player in there that just needs some guidance. One thing you can never knock the 22 year-old for is his work rate and hunger, and it paid off on Saturday as he bagged two goals that pushed Reading over the line.
The first goal was a brilliant header from a difficult angle and an example of the potential that the Frenchman has. Just like his controversial new four-year contract, his performance certainly got the fans talking on Saturday - but this time, for all the right reasons...
We've got Meite, Yakou Meite, I just don't think you understand. He signed on a free from PSG... We've got Yakou Meite #ReadingFC
— Stephen (@Stevie_1981) October 20, 2018
Not the greatest performance today but winning games when not playing your best is a good sign. Felt Clement got the subs & system change right too. Meite was excellent against Cooper too. #Readingfc
— Steven Kemp (@kempy26783) October 20, 2018
Yakou Méïté #readingfc
— MOLLIE (@molliehaines9) October 20, 2018
Who needs Messi when you have Meite? @Yaks75 #readingfc
— Tim Patten (@TimRobinPatten) October 20, 2018
Riding their luck
It doesn’t feel right criticising the team after three goals and three points, but as ever with this club, nothing is ever straightforward. It was another questionable performance, and if it weren’t for a couple of key individual performances as previously mentioned, then it could’ve been a different story.
Even Clement admitted after the game that the Royals were fortunate, and I’m sure the players will know that as well. It is a win, and an important one at that, but there is still a lot of work to do.
Here’s how the fans reacted to the team performance on Saturday...
Very good result, but didn't sound like a very good performance, however the result is all that matters. Need to now pick up a bit of form. #readingfc
— Harrison Mitchell (@harrison1871rfc) October 20, 2018
Not the best performance imo but can’t complain cos we won #readingfc
— Ollie Broad (@olliebroad19RFC) October 20, 2018
very strange day, flattering scoreline and not the best performance #readingfc
— P_GMedia (@P_GMedia) October 20, 2018
Still personally think Clement isn’t the right man to take us forward, lose on Tuesday and it’s all back to square 1, hope he proves me wrong. Yesterday’s performance papers over a lot of cracks! #readingfc
— George Blair (@GeorgeBlairr) October 21, 2018
Conclusion
A win’s a win, and in our current position we need to take any point we can get at the moment. Hopefully now is the win that kick starts the season and sees the beginning of a good run for the Royals.
The team and Clement will know that the performances still are leaving a lot to be desired, but three points is a massive boost. Next up is a trip to Birmingham City on Tuesday evening.
URZ!