Nigel Gibbs: Intent And Intensity Paid Off Against Hull City

That’s what a home victory feels like! The Royals finally picked up three points at the Madejski Stadium after a 3-0 victory against Nigel Adkin’s Hull City. Two wins in the past three games have moved us out of the relegation area and maybe, just maybe, things are beginning to turn around.

Paul Clement made quite a few changes going into the game, and they worked. Sam Baldock scored after four minutes to ease the tension, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson doubled our lead in the second half, and Andy Yiadom made it three to seal the points. However, it wasn’t all plain-sailing as Hull did score three times - but all were disallowed. John O’Shea was sent off late on, but it was a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Nigel Gibbs was on media duty this week, and told the official club website and GetReading:

“There was disappointment in the week and the players were keen to put that right for the supporters. You could see that from the first minute. The intent, the intensity and sheer work-rate of the players was first class and we’re really pleased with the result at the end of it.”

Gibbs on the game

“They were getting into the game a little bit more and putting us under pressure in the second half, so the second goal was vital for us.

“All the games came at good times for us. But it’s not just the three goals, but the clean sheet was a big thing for the players and the staff too.”

Gibbs on the three points

“It’s been a long time coming in the league and we had to work hard for it. We rode our luck a bit at times but I thought we thoroughly deserved our victory.

“And it’s so important to get those three points. In the way that we saw out the game at the end, everyone was fighting for each other.

“The players wanted to put the defeat in midweek right and they did that today - at home, with a clean sheet. Fantastic.”

Gibbs on our first points at home

“It’s our first points at home this season and that’s vital. We need to put in better performances consistently at home and we know that. So hopefully that’ll be the start for us and the benchmark to work to.”

Gibbs on the fans

“The fans stayed with us today and were good throughout the game. They were with us when we needed them and today's victory is a victory for everyone at the club, particularly the supporters.”

Gibbs on finding the best team

“You’re looking for a balance and to keep a stable team. Sims came in and did really well and the lads who came in - it’s up to them to keep the first now.”

Gibbs on dropping Chris Gunter

“We wanted to bring some fresh legs in and Tiago gives you height and he’s got pace. It was the manager’s call and Tiago had a very good game. It’s a clean sheet which is the most important thing and that will give everyone confidence.”

Gibbs on John O’Shea’s performance

“He had a cut inside his mouth but there was no way he was coming off. He was excellent - read the game really well and won nearly every header. And he helped the players alongside him as well. I haven’t seen the sending off.

“The manager was alluding the other to fighting for everything - that’s what you have to do in this league and he epitomised that.”

Gibbs on Saeid Ezatolahi’s debut

“We’re really pleased with him. He’s played in a world cup and read the game well. He has calmness on the ball and won headers. He was part of a good performance and good victory.”

Gibbs on Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Andy Yiadom’s performances

“We’re really pleased with Yiadom - he’s been consistent with his performance and he was back to his best.

“He was a little off-it against Norwich in the first half - he’s played right back and left back and does a good job at both. For him to get a goal was a bonus

“It was a good finish for Bodvarsson’s goal. His aerial play was very good and he was working hard for the team He gave their back four a tough time, as did Sam Baldock.

“His work rate and hold-up play was excellent.”

Has Nigel Gibbs got his post-match assessment right? Tell us in the comments.