Ipswich Town 1-2 Reading: Player Ratings

Emiliano Martinez: 9

We had a discussion at TTE over whether or not I was allowed to give Martinez a straight 10/10, such was how impressed I was by his unreal shot-stopping ability at Portman Road. Indeed, a series of world-class saves were the difference on the day between three points and none.

Add in a clean sheet and one or two extra worldies, and he probably would have managed that 10. Look for his supreme long kick out to Garath McCleary in the first half which set the Jamaican free down the left wing. What a keeper this chap is.

Andy Yiadom: 5

Good going forwards in the first half, overlapping well and trying to get in behind. However, he looked shaky defensively, particularly in the second half when more pressure came his way. Out of positions a few times and would have scored an own goal, were it not for one of Martinez’ wonder saves.

Matt Miazga: 7

Rock solid as ever, he won his duels consistently and continues to give Reading that aerial strength which we lacked before his arrival.

Liam Moore: 7

Same as Miazga, with the odd trademark big block thrown in for extra measure, and passion in abundance:

Tyler Blackett: 6

Better defensively than Yiadom, although he perhaps could have done a little more going forwards. Great ball over the top for McCleary in the build-up to the opener.

Lewis Baker: 6

Looked so much more composed than he has done previously. Kept the ball well and used it intelligently from his spot in front of the back four.

Ovie Ejaria: 7

Class on the ball, although he could perhaps have pushed out a bit more aggressively in the second half when Reading were guarding their one-goal lead. On the whole though, his ability to drive forwards from deep is becoming a big asset for this team, and gives us another dimension to the midfield.

Yakou Meite: 6

Not a big enough impact on the game apart from two moments: an ambitious overhead kick in the first half that was easily saved, and his second-half assist. The latter was Meite at his very best; controlling the ball, muscling away any defenders who came close, before releasing Barrow.

John Swift: 4

Seriously off the pace and gave the ball away too many times, although he did go close with long-range efforts on a few occasions.

Garath McCleary: 7

Great assist for Oliveira's opening goal, off the back of a similar one against Rotherham United. He seems to be taking to his left-wing spot nicely, and was a threat throughout the first half, also firing just wide of the far post after Martinez’ long kick. Faded after the break before being substituted.

Nelson Oliveira: 7

A lovely finish for 1-0, albeit straightforward considering the lack of marking. His hold-up play was generally good, but Oliveira was still prone to a few silly moments of giving the ball away too easily.

If we graded goal celebrations, he’d have 10/10 for winding up a home support that had been getting at him all afternoon. Find the footage.

Subs

Modou Barrow: 5

Yes, I know, 5/10 for a man who’s just scored one of the biggest goals in Reading’s recent history seems a tad harsh. But up until that point he’d been seriously poor, having numerous chances to get in-behind the Ipswich defence but refusing to take his man on, and losing Gwion Edwards for the equaliser. 4/10.

But he came up with the goods when it mattered in old-fashioned Barrow style, blitzing into space before sliding the ball home. 5/10.

Callum Harriott: 5

Didn’t have much of an impact on the game.

Danny Loader: 5

See Harriott.

Average: 6.14/10

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