Reading FC 2-1 Blackburn Rovers: Player Ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 6

Reasonably decent in his distribution, amid a couple of occasions Blackburn caught us trying to pass it at the back for too long, the goalkeeper made a couple of very useful saves in the first-half. Could have done better for the goal, as it seemed to slip through him.

Andy Yiadom - 7

It’s tough to truly gauge a defender’s performance when they attacked so well, but paid the price for it. The right-back lit up the first-half with a superb run and cross to assist Swift’s opener, and continued this with a wicked ball in to almost tee up Richards in the second period. Alas, he was the one caught for the equaliser. Perhaps it was his slack positioning or Amari’i Bell’s searing pace. Perhaps it was a bit of both.

Matt Miazga - 6

Tended to be the one happiest with going long when under pressure in possession. This suited Reading a bit in the first-half but added to their difficulties in retaining the ball to start attacks. Generally sound in defence.

Liam Moore - 6

Blackburn’s threat rarely came down the middle and this can be put down to a proficient defensive pairing for the hosts, especially given there was a lack of protection for them from the midfield.

Tyler Blackett - 5

While Blackett didn’t worry me more than anyone else in the first-half, i.e they were all poor, he struggled to up his game in the second-half and one particular attempted clearance saw him scuff the ball across his own goal face.

Liam Kelly - 6

A bit of a kind rating as, like Blackett, Kelly struggled early on and was bullied off the ball plenty of times. He did improve as the game went on, though, and linked defence to attack nicely for a player who’s been dropped from the past few squads.

John Swift - 7

For all his foibles, the midfielder is still the most creative and technically talented player we have. He found space for the first goal, which was taken well, and assisted Oliveira wonderfully for the second. He needs to be more consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but he was right at the centre of the key moments this time out.

Ovie Ejaria - 4

Really struggled in pretty much all his tasks. Started out wide and was anonymous, and I wish he had stayed there when dropped into the midfield during the first-half. The loanee took control of the ball in slow motion and was too easily stripped of it when under pressure.

Sone Aluko - 5

Another difficult outing which saw the record signing subbed off after 45 minutes. He just couldn’t get his foot on the ball or pick a pass, but I’ll give him credit for leading a pressing game which was added to pretty timidly by his teammates.

Omar Richards - 7

The full-back was moved forward for this outing and deserves another crack on the weekend. Richards used his athleticism to get up and down the flank all game and tracked back well. Almost grabbed a poacher’s finish from the aforementioned Yiadom cross but needs a final ball of his own.

Nelson Oliveira - 8

Stranded in the first-half, Oliveira still looked good and even came close to lobbing the keepr from 45 yards out. In the second-half, he linked up well and yet probably too much - rarely seeming to be the box for a final ball. The winner involved a brilliant control, dribble, and finish, and showed why he’s our best player.

Substitutes

Yakou Meite - 5

Got into two great goalscoring positions and missed twice. A real shame, but at least was a real threat from the right-wing.

Lewis Baker - N/A

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson - N/A

Vote on your man of the match below. Can’t see the poll? Click here.