Derby County 2-1 Reading: Player Ratings

Anssi Jaakkola: 5

Couldn't do too much about the goals, and made a big save in the second half to keep Reading in the game. Really shaky distribution in the first half, the worst example being a header that went straight to a Derby player. His lack of composure is a real worry, and he was often far too indecisive, waiting ages at goal kicks before deciding whether to go long or short.

Andy Rinomhota: 5

Should he have started at right back? On the basis of previous performances, it shouldn't have been a worry, but he wasn't to his usual standard defensively. Although he got forward well, he generally lacks the outright pace and crossing to be effective in the final third.

Tiago Ilori: 4

A dreadful first half saw Ilori give the ball away a number of times, putting the side under needless pressure. That said, he recovered well after the break.

Liam Moore: 6

More composed than his partner - better in both distribution and defending.

Andy Yiadom: 5

Didn't get forward as much as usual in the first half, but did that moreso in the second. When he did get into the final third his rightfootedness showed - Reading needed a left-footer to get he ball in quick.

Lewis Baker: 5

Sloppy in possession like Ilori, and was hauled off at the break to make way for Aluko. Didn't use the ball creatively enough, although he did show some nice touches that indicate how good he can be technically. He should improve with game time.

Leandro Bacuna: 6

Again, sloppy in the first half but improved later on. Great strength and energy, and drove Reading up the pitch well. However, he wasn't decisive enough in the final third when opportunities came his way.

Modou Barrow: 7

For the most part he was Reading's main threat, with much of the play going through him whether he was on the left or right. He was a good outlet in the first half, and attacked Derby's right side well in the second, putting in some good deliveries that Reading perhaps should have made more of. Fired just over from range just after half-time.

John Swift: 7

Started the game as a number ten before playing much deeper when Aluko came on. He should have buried a chance a 1-0, set up by Barrow, but otherwise moved the ball around well when Reading were in possession.

Ovie Ejaria: 5

He's just not a winger. Ejaria has good technique and strength, but he lacks pace and the ability to beat a man one-on-one. That showed when Reading really needed to stretch the pitch in the second half, and Ejaria couldn't help with that. Won the ball back well in the build-up to Aluko's goal.

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 5

Not poor, but didn't have enough of an impact, either in terms of holding the ball up and bringing others into play or getting in-behind. It seemed like the second was Gomes' reason for bringing on the pacier Loader.

Subs

Sone Aluko: 8

An eye-catching performance off the bench, Aluko's introduction effectively changed the game. He impressed almost immediately with some determined pressing that helped Reading win the ball back high up the pitch, and calmly slotted home in atypical fashion. Very deserving of a start next time out.

Garath McCleary: 6

Replaced Barrow on the left to freshen up Reading's attack, and gave us good width on that side. However, he didn't quite come up with that golden moment in the final third.

Danny Loader: 5

Brought on for Bodvarsson to give us some new ideas, but didn't cause Derby's defence enough problems. Did some decent work dropping deep to receive the ball, but didn't link the play well enough for me.

Average: 5.64/10

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