Reading 1-2 Norwich City: Player Ratings

Sam Walker: 6

Couldn’t do much about either goal, but at least made sure that every backpass that came his way was dealt with efficiently, rather than letting any more panic set in.

Chris Gunter: 5

Poor defensively, with a missed interception for the first Norwich goal, and his usual timid self going forward. Looks completely shot of confidence, in a team that’s underperforming, with a crowd that’s on his back.

Liam Moore: 5

Completely out of position for both goals - the first by necessity after Leandro Bacuna had vacated the midfield; the second a poor clearance leading to an easy finish. At least set up the equaliser with a decent header.

Tiago Ilori: 5

Dived in rashly as the Canaries’ winger drove into the box in the run-up to their second goal. Dealt with everything else fine - perhaps the least bad of a poor back line.

Andy Yiadom: 5

Did very little going forward, which is probably his strength as a full-back. He and Meite were relentlessly attacked in the first half, and did little to stem the tide.

John Swift: 6

Set up the equaliser with a good burst of speed and cross, and showed a few nice touches, but like Kelly you get the feeling he’s a midfielder who needs to be in a dominant team, not one under pressure.

Leandro Bacuna: 4

It was his lack of discipline which allowed Norwich to run at the back four for their first goal. It was his lack of positional awareness which allowed Mario Vrancic to ghost in from deep for their second.

Liam Kelly: 5

The odd nice pass, but for most of the match he was a passenger.

Sone Aluko: 4

I started to feel sorry for Aluko in this match, after he was hit in the face by a Meite shot, missed an open goal, and fell over the ball at his feet. Then I remembered he’s our record signing.

Sam Baldock: 5

Did the best with what little he was given, a relatively short striker forced to try and win headers with centre-backs because of a lack of composure across the pitch. That said, he wasted a couple of chances.

Yakou Meite: 4

One good shot, and very little outside of that. There’s something there talent-wise, probably, but at this stage we do not have the time to discover whether he can realise that latent potential.

Subs

Modou Barrow: 5

Changed the game with his pace, but did very little to actually fashion chances.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 6

Scored with his first touch. Gave Reading an aerial presence up front, and Baldock a partner to try and play with.

Josh Sims: 5

Little impact.

Average: 5/10

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