Reading 3-0 Hull City: Player Ratings

Sam Walker: 6

Made a meal of one first-half shot which led to an offside Hull City ‘goal’ but was sound throughout, handled well, kicked efficiently and made one vital second half parry.

Tiago Ilori: 7

Switched smoothly to right-back and was outstanding. Although he did not push forward, leaving the right-wing duties to Sims, he stiffened up the right side of the defence, made a couple of crowd-lifting tackles (including one to deny a goal-scoring opportunity) and his distribution to the front men was impressive. My man of the match.

John O’Shea: 6

Brought calmness and authority to the back line, winning many headers and showing bravery when carrying on after getting a nasty mouth injury. His red card exposed his shortage of pace (at 37) and spoiled Paul Clement’s plans for a settled new-look defence.

Liam Moore: 6

Quietly efficient in a sound back four. Not a particularly noticeable display but did his job and was dependable.

Andy Yiadom: 7

Considering he’s not in his best position he continued to show what a good combative defender he is, battling well for the cause. Helped to set up the second goal and himself scored for his first Reading goal, too.

Saeid Ezatolahi: 6

Looked to be just the player Reading are looking for. Tall and commanding, he played the defensive midfield role to perfection for 30 minutes until he tired and a few mistakes crept in. Once he becomes fitter and used to the pace of the Championship he should be a real asset.

Leandro Bacuna: 6

Released from the discipline of the defensive midfielder’s role he seemed to find the position best suited to him as he covered plenty of ground and linked well with the attack. Forced a good save from the Hull goalkeeper with a first-half free-kick and provided the corner which brought the first goal.

Liam Kelly: 6

I loved his determination and willingness to run until he dropped in the team’s interest. Got caught in possession a couple of times but also produced one delightful piece of first-half skill when he controlled a dropping ball on the touchline to set up a dangerous attack.

Josh Sims: 6

He was given his first start and did not disappoint. A typical modern winger, prepared to work for the team in or out of possession. Might have done more when one-on-one with his full-back but with game time should get better.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 7

Showed his value to the team as an all-purpose striker. He was the focal point of the attack, making sure the opposition defence could not relax by winning many headers and providing good hold-up play (most of the time). Had a first-half header cleared off the line and took his goal calmly.

Sam Baldock: 6

Showed real appetite for the contest as he worked tirelessly in an unfamiliar role on the left side. Scored a vital opening goal and helped Yiadom continually as an auxiliary defender.

Subs

John Swift: 5

Kept the team in the ascendancy with some neat, if unspectacular, midfield play in the final 20 minutes.

Modou Barrow: 5

Just the man to come on and run at a tiring team. Helped Reading see out the game with their two late goals.

Chris Gunter: N/A

Did nothing wrong in his brief cameo at the end of the game.

Average: 6.07/10

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