Barnsley 1-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Rafael: 6

Made a couple of very important saves, particularly at the end to deny Schmidt, but his distribution was poor throughout. Could perhaps criticise him for putting Morrison under pressure for the goal, but maybe that’s harsh.

Chris Gunter: 6

Looked keen to impress, and got forward well down the right hand side. Passing a little wayward, but a more than capable back-up to Yiadom, who will be out for the next six weeks.

Matt Miazga: 5

Got better as the game wore on, but still didn’t look his usual reliable self at the back. Very shaky first half with a few misplaced passes.

Michael Morrison: 4

I actually thought Morrison was the best of Reading’s three centre-backs in the first half, but his error for Barnsley’s goal is unforgivable from someone so experienced. Substituted when Bowen switched to a back four.

Liam Moore: 5

The skipper has been underwhelming for a few weeks now and wasn’t convincing again on Wednesday night. Nearly cost Reading a goal with a poor clearance in the first half.

Jordan Obita: 5

Had one of Reading’s better chances when he fired over after making a good run down the left in the first half, but didn’t impress defensively and looked a little uncertain about making challenges, which is perhaps understandable after his injury.

Andy Rinomhota: 5

Had his moments, such as an excellent first half through ball to Puscas, but overall looked a bit lightweight in midfield, leaving plenty of space for Barnsley to create chances.

Charlie Adam: 6

He has his critics, but I think you have to accept Charlie Adam for what he is. He’s not going move around a lot, he won’t make many tackles, but boy has he got an eye for a pass. Arguably Reading’s most creative player at Oakwell for that reason, and will try to claim that his corner was the assist for the equaliser.

Ovie Ejaria: 5

Not quite at his best on his return to the side. Performed a staggering 14 dribbles - ten more than anyone else on the pitch - as well as a few trademark pirouettes, but didn’t really do anything with the ball afterwards, making the wrong choice and losing possession.

Lucas Joao: 4

Perhaps a harsh mark considering he got the goal, but it wasn’t exactly the hardest of finishes and for the rest of the game he really struggled. Couldn’t get into the match, and when he did he either lost possession or made a poor pass.

George Puscas: 4

An infuriating player to watch. We’ve seen glimpses of what Puscas can do, but too often he is ineffective and clumsy with the ball at his feet. Works hard but needs to step up more regularly.

Substitutes

Sam Baldock: 6

Gave Reading a bit of energy when he came on and appeared to trouble the Barnsley defence more than Puscas did. Delivered an excellent cross that Meite probably should have scored from.

Yakou Meite: 5

An initial bright spark upon his arrival on the pitch before fading quickly, As above, should have put Reading in front with a free header from the centre of the box.

Tyler Blackett: 5

Played the final eight minutes but wasn’t heavily involved.

Average: 5.07/10

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