Brentford 2-2 Reading: Player Ratings

Sam Walker: 6

Not at fault for either of Brentford’s two goals, but otherwise didn’t have much shot-stopping to do. Commanding in his area and is likely to keep his place in the side even when Vito Mannone returns.

Chris Gunter: 6

Beaten too easily at the far post by Neal Maupay for the opening goal, but on the whole looked better than he has done in recent weeks, particularly in the second half. Will be hoping to keep his place in the side now that Tyler Blackett is back from injury.

Tiago Ilori: 7

Strong at the back and snuffed out a few Brentford half-chances well. Him and Moore ultimately restricted Brentford to just three shots on target, a good achievement against a side known for their attacking prowess.

Liam Moore: 7

Largely the same as Ilori, but appeared to lose Yoann Barbet for the late equaliser which he’ll be disappointed by.

Andy Yiadom: 7

Couldn’t get forward as much as he would have liked, but still stood up to Brentford well defensively down the left.

Saeid Ezatolahi: 8

A really encouraging display in his first full 90 minutes for the club, Ezatolahi was composed on the ball, strong in the tackle and read the game really well. Gives the midfield far more physical presence when he’s in the side.

Yakou Meite: 7

Justified his inclusion in the team over Josh Sims with one of his better displays of the season. Consistently won his headers, giving Reading an aerial outlet down the right wing, also working hard in typical ‘Miete’ fashion.

Leandro Bacuna: 6

Looks increasingly confident in his more advanced midfield role. Busy and energetic in the middle of the park.

John Swift: 8

Made both Reading’s goals on the day with shots from range, even if Daniel Bentley helped him out on each occasion. Generally sharper than he has been, and having the physically stronger duo of Bacuna/Ezatolahi behind him seemed to free him up.

Modou Barrow: 6

Caused Brentford problems going forwards with his pace down the left, but perhaps could have been stronger defensively in the first half to support Yiadom.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 7

Led the line well throughout the match with his hold-up play and running, and continued his scoring run in the first half with one of the easiest goals he’ll score.

Subs

Josh Sims: 6

Unlucky not to start, but used his pace really well down the left after replacing Barrow to push Reading up the pitch, even drawing a foul from Benrahma that saw the Brentford man sent off (second yellow).

Sone Aluko: 5

There was a noticeable drop in Reading’s presence on the right wing when Aluko replaced Meite, with the substitute lacking his teammate’s aerial ability and work-rate.

Liam Kelly: N/A

Not enough time to properly grade him, despite the 10 minutes added on. Replaced Swift on 90 minutes.

Average: 6.61/10

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