Reading FC 3-3 Derby County: Player Ratings

Vito Mannone: 5

The Italian made an athletic diving save to deny Weimann in the second half but, having conceded three, it won’t be a game that he remembers fondly. He’s no doubt under instruction, but the familiar ‘short goal-kick, back-pass, spooned clearance under pressure’ routine is becoming tiresome.

Chris Gunter: 6

Struggled to cope with compatriot Tom Lawrence, who was arguably the best player on the pitch. The right-back was his usual determined and motivated self, but had an unspectacular afternoon.

Tiago Ilori: 4

Sadly, he had a bit of a shocker. His unconvincing clearance led to the first goal, a misplaced header struck his own teammate to cue up the second and he failed to deal with Lawrence’s quick feet for the third. Short of alternatives due to injury, Ilori will no doubt start again on Tuesday night and he’s capable of improvement.

Liam Moore: 6

Not the colossus of last season but, equally, rarely to blame. A poorly judged header epitomised a torrid start to the second half. Earlier, he may have scored a terrific volley, but for a brave block.

Omar Richards: 5

Andreas Weimann gave the young-left back a very testing afternoon. This is the first time that Richards has started consecutive games for the first-team so, all things considered, he coped OK.

Leandro Bacuna: 5

Deployed in a deeper midfield role than usual, in the absence of Van den Berg, Bacuna wasn’t as much of a threat. He gave the ball away too often and frustrated the home support with several unnecessary back-passes.

Liam Kelly: 7

My man of the match. After a testing few months, Kelly showed glimpses of quality again, offering some much-needed creativity. His sumptuous strike will surely be the Royals’ Goal of the Season and he nearly added another spectacular goal in the second half.

Pelle Clement: 5

Didn’t do much wrong, but was largely anonymous. On his day, the Dutch youngster can be the link between midfield and attack, although too often, his influence is minimal. May struggle to hold onto his place for the game on Tuesday.

Sone Aluko: 4

Unfortunately, this was another hugely underwhelming performance from the wide-man. His confidence looks dented and he is offering little end-product. His corners were especially poor, consistently headed clear by the first man.

Modou Barrow: 7

This season Barrow has often possessed Reading’s ‘X-Factor’ (if they have one…) and this was another strong performance. He took his goal with composure, having utilised his electric pace to burst clear, and crossed for the final equaliser.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 7

The Icelandic centre-forward is an exceptionally hard-worker, backed up by another industrious display. His link-up play was effective throughout and his persistence merited Reading’s third. He’s always a handful; if only he was more clinical.

Subs

John Swift: 6

Good to see Swift back in the reckoning. He didn’t look particularly athletic, perhaps still nursing his injury, but a couple of threaded passes demonstrated his quality.

Garath McCleary: 6

Didn’t have the ball that much, but was decent enough in his short cameo from the 81st minute onwards. May feature more heavily on Tuesday night.

Dave Edwards: N/A

I can’t say this conclusively, but I don’t think he touched it.

Average: 6.08

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