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For the second season in a row, Reading are now still pointless after the opening 2 matches, but there were a lot of positives on show at Hull - especially in the second half.
The less said about the first half, the better. It really was a bit of a horror show from Gomes’ men, and the Portuguese has already stated that we won’t be seeing a half of football from his team like that again.
On the other hand, the second half was a glimpse of what this team could potentially do when all the new signings find their feet and learn how Gomes wants his team to play.
Puscas came on and looked very dangerous with his movement in behind the Hull back four, Lucas Joao was a threat all game and took his goal well and Meite also looked threatening in the second half too - positive signs for the future.
Here’s how the fans reacted to some of the key talking points from Saturday afternoon, which ultimately ended in another defeat...
Game of two halves
This is probably the biggest talking point from the game. The difference between Reading’s performance in the opening 45 and the second half was astonishing.
We couldn’t string two passes together to save our lives in the first half, but after the interval we looked so much more threatening and dangerous as the likes of Swift and Adam were allowed to get on the ball more and dictate the play.
With Puscas and Meite running in behind as well, we always had the Hull back four on the back foot and looking worried.
The fans were pretty disgusted in all honesty with the first half showing, and rightly so as it was completely unacceptable. However, they were more than excited by the Royals’ performance after the interval, with new signing Puscas particularly impressing...
Shocking first half, all over the place at the back and absolutely nothing in midfield. Boye and Joao have looked our only two decent players. Need a miracle to get back into this. #readingfc
— Harrison Mitchell (@harrison1871rfc) August 10, 2019
Excellent second half in terms of chance creation, good signs, but gave it away in the first half. Need to get points on the board next week. #readingfc
— Melvir (@Melvir88) August 10, 2019
Too early to panic but mighty me what a poor result. Game essentially killed off in first ~15 min, some good signs second half (and a great goal) but things need to pick up soon for #readingfc
— Dave Stevens (@shakefon) August 10, 2019
Slow starts to the first two games have cost us. Cannot afford to keep starting slowly if we want to get up the table.
— Jack (@thesimpsonRFC) August 10, 2019
Conceding two goals early, pretty much dented the confidence in the team first half.
Good to see that Puscas and Joao looked sharp on their debuts #readingfc
On reflection after yesterday. Poor first half and as much as Virginia should’ve done better with first, Yiadom!? Second was much better and we showed what we can do but can we keep that up consistently? If we can/or get close then perhaps mid-table #readingfc
— Tricks (@richiec87) August 11, 2019
The new signings
Gomes handed three debut starts out on Saturday afternoon, for Lucas Joao, Lucas Boye and Pele - and it’s fair to say that two certainly impressed more than the other.
Joao bagged his first goal in Reading colours, and Boye looked our most dangerous player before getting replaced at half time. However, the fans certainly weren’t impressed with the debut of midfielder Pele, who looked very shaky.
Puscas came off the bench and looked lively, with his movement off the ball and aggression with the ball really worrying Hull City. The Romanian should’ve also bagged himself a goal but squandered two very good openings. However, the fans were certainly impressed by the record signing on Twitter after the game.
It will take time for all of the new boys to settle in and really start to gel, and the fans certainly know that...
Lucas João get in there!!!!!!! #readingfc
— Karz From The 'Ding ☕ (@FFSKarz) August 10, 2019
The front 3 of Meite, Joao and Puscas was filthy! A couple more games to click and they will be devastating. The signs are already there! Boye also V Good before coming off. #Readingfc
— Scott McAulay (@scottymac80) August 10, 2019
Hope Pelé never plays for us again #readingfc
— Adam (@adam_bs1) August 10, 2019
Boye and joao quality. Pele showed moments of quality but off the pace. Puscas will be special. #readingfc
— cameron macken (@ronniemac93) August 10, 2019
Finally, Puscas is a level above almost everything we've had. The movement off the ball, his first touch, and he likes to shoot. Absolute quality. #readingfc
— Joseph luckett (@Josephluckett6) August 10, 2019
@willow1871 A week in training will do them good.
— Anders Egerstad (@egerstad) August 10, 2019
Boyé could stirr some trouble going forward this season.
Hope Pelé will find the pace and the passning with some gametime, need that balance.
Joao and Puscas will be good for us. Have faith! Onwards and upwards #readingfc
That is a top top finish! Excited to see how puscas and Joao play together! 2 in 2 now for the new man. #readingfc https://t.co/VUbAvZq6cw
— Dean Bennett (@DeanBennett1993) August 11, 2019
The future
One thing the Loyal Royals’ did learn from Saturday’s match is that the future could be very bright, and very exciting. There is definitely cause to be optimistic as a Reading fan, but perspective and patience is still needed.
I’m sure the longer the new signings have on the training pitch with their new team mates, learning the way Gomes wants them to play, we will start to see better performances which in turn will bring better results.
The fans are excited, and pretty much have been since the close of the transfer window on Thursday. We couldn’t have really asked for much more in the transfer window, and now we’re all eager to see what is to come...
In effort to be positive , this team is only going to get better the longer it plays together, we basically started pre season again with all these signings. Good for Joao to get of the mark in his first game. The rewards will come in the long run. #readingfc
— Steven Kemp (@kempy26783) August 10, 2019
Funny how Gomes has got everyone into the mindset that we’re gonna play terrible this season, only to turn up after Christmas and go unbeaten #readingfc
— Micah (@micahrfc19) August 10, 2019
To be fair, this is the perfect metaphor for how I feel our season is going to go. #readingfc https://t.co/mAnWcIpVZJ
— Greg Double (@Dubstep1988) August 10, 2019
Whatever happens today we MUST give this squad time to gel. We know how strong it is on paper but I doubt we’ll see it all come together for another month or so. #readingfc
— Louis Stagg (@dinglouis_) August 10, 2019
Keeper mistake cost us but sounds like we played decent second half. We need to be patient and give this team time to gel #readingfc
— Ryan (@Ryan1871_) August 10, 2019
Second half was much better. Just need the new signings to gel ⚽️ Puscas Meite and Joao are going to be a force to be reckoned with #Readingfc #URRRZ #Royals
— pauline macdonald (@princessmacd) August 10, 2019
Give it time. #readingfc as Jose Gomes says it’s now pre season for us. To get used to the play style and players around you. Soon we will be up and running for them play off positions...
— ReadingfcDaily (@DailyReadingfc) August 11, 2019
Conclusion
A horrible first half aside, Saturday gave us a lot of cause to be optimistic for the long season we have ahead of us, but we need to give this team time and have a bit of patience. Give them time and it will click, and we will start to see the fruits of a fantastic transfer window.
Having said that, you do not want to lose your opening three games so getting points on the board next week against Cardiff is vital - so get down to the Mad Stad, and get behind the lads!
URZ