Jaap Stam On 2-2 Leeds United Draw

Two points in two games at the Madejski this week, and possibly, we have been lucky to pick up those points. On Saturday, Leeds United were the visitors and they didn’t make it easy.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson scored to put the Royals one ahead, before the Royals conceded before half-time, just like Tuesday. United took the lead early in the second half and minutes later Bodvarsson scored his second to earn a point.

Our first half performance was brilliant, but as always, we went back to our old ways in the second half. Jaap Stam was disappointed to not get more out of the game, he told the official club website:

“We started the game well, playing against a very good team who can always do something in possession.

“But we created a couple of very good chances in the first half - scored one but should have scored more.

“We began the game very committed but also playing good football at times, making the right decisions to go longer at the right time."

Stam was also happy with Reading's opener, but bemoaned the side's inability to kill the game off.

“And we made chances, so it’s frustrating we didn’t score at least two of them - then it becomes a different game if we put those chances away.

“The goal we did get was a great team goal. If the belief is there, the spaces are there, the weight of the pass is good, we know we can play very good football and score very good goals. And of course, everyone wants to see that more often.

“But our chances, Mo Barrow and also Jon Dadi from close range - and then the rebound from George Evans too - these are 100% chances which you have to look to score from.

“And if you use those opportunities and score those goals, it’s more than likely we’ll win the game. So we needed to be more clinical.

“And we were punished when they score just before half-time and it’s 1-1!

“In the second half they pushed a bit more, controlled the game a little bit more - and we had to come back from 2-1 down which we did straight after they scored.

“And we got the point. The position we’re in, we have to try to get something from every game we play and Wolves on Tuesday night is no different. We want at least a point and hopefully all three from every game we play.”

Reading have back-to-back away games this week with trips to Wolves and Norwich. Stay tuned to The Tilehurst End for full coverage of both games.