clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

2020/21 Analysis & Opinion

All the analysis and opinion content we had about Reading in the 2020/21 season.

The Highs And Lows Of Reading’s 2021: January To June

Part one of Sim’s recap of Reading’s best and worst memories from the past 12 months.

Why Veljko Paunovic Doesn’t ‘Need A Plan B’

In recent weeks an increasing number of fans have bemoaned the lack of a ‘Plan B’. Here’s why Harry thinks you don’t need one.

Aluko And Baldock Departures Signal Fresh Start For Reading

The duo have now been released after poor spells with the Royals.

Joe Pigott: The Next Josh Laurent?

Adam explains why signing out-of-contract forward Pigott would be smart business for Reading.

What Would A Good Transfer Window For Reading Look Like?

The Royals have a busy few months coming up in the market, but will have to operate under challenging financial restrictions.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Relegation Should Be A Cautionary Tale For Reading

The two clubs have had similar business models in recent years; now the Royals must avoid following the Owls into League One.

Reading In 2020/21: Putting The Season Into Context

It certainly wasn’t a dull campaign.

It’s Been A Gruelling Season, On And Off The Pitch

Olly emotionally checks out of Reading’s exhausting campaign.

Lessons Reading Must Learn From This Season

The Royals have done us proud this year, but improvement is clearly needed in some areas.

Reading, The European Super League And The Impossible Dream

What does the European Super League have to do with Reading? On the face of it, nothing, but in reality, everything. Sim explains why.

Reading Aren’t Done Yet

The Royals’ play-off chances looked perilous after Friday’s draw, but Barnsley’s loss at Coventry has altered the picture.

This Likeable Reading Team Is On The Right Track

Regardless of whether or not Reading finish in the top six, there’s been clear progress behind the scenes, as Ben explains.

We Need To Talk About Lucas Joao

He is one of the most talented players in the Championship, but the striker’s confidence is at rock-bottom after a horror miss against Barnsley.

Anything Could Happen – Keep The Faith

In the final eight games of the regular league season, let’s continue to get behind the guys!

Is Anything Less Than The Top Six A Failure?

If you’d have offered any Reading fan seventh place at the start of the season, they’d have snatched your hand off - but we would we settle for that now?

In Search Of The Mercurial Ovie Ejaria

Despite his huge talent and no shortage of game time this season, Ejaria lags behind his fellow playmakers and forwards for attacking output.

What’s Gone Wrong And How On Earth Do We Fix It?

For the majority of the season we have been sitting pretty in the top six - but recently it’s all gone a bit pear-shaped. Harry explains how it’s gone wrong and what the players and Pauno must do to fix it.

Holmes And McIntyre Stepping Up Has Been Crucial This Season

The duo have been reliable when called upon in 2020/21.

George Puscas: The Unlikely Hero Of This Season?

If he can stay fit, the Romanian could be an invaluable asset for the remainder of this season and beyond.

Reading’s Early-Season Approach Is Still A Vital Plan B

Although Pauno has - wisely - tried to evolve Reading’s style of play, he’s shown that he’s more than happy to revert to the more basic style of the first eight matches when necessary.

Holmes vs Yiadom: Who Should Be Reading’s First-Choice Right Back?

Jordan Cottle delves into a question that’s divided Reading fans in recent weeks.

Puscas And João: How To Play Them Together

Why a prolific partnership could reignite our season.

The Bigger Picture Is Still Good

After Tuesday nights loss to Wycombe, Harry looks into why, although it’s an easy thing to do, there is no need to overreact. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Defeat To Wycombe Is Far From The End Of Reading’s Season

Ben explains why Tuesday’s result was a bad result in isolation - not "season over" for Reading.

In Defence Of Veljko Paunovic’s Team Selection At Wycombe

Marco Bader argues why criticism of Pauno’s team selection on Tuesday night may have been harsh.

Keep The Backline Strong And We Have A Chance This Season

With Morro and McIntyre in form, and both Yiadom and Moore returning from injury, Reading have quality options at the back.

The Case For Rotation

Ben Morley explores the effect of a short season on player fatigue and explains what it means for Reading.

A Quiet Window, But A Good One For Reading

Reading haven’t brought anyone in, but they’ve done the most important bits: holding onto what they already had and not needlessly gambling with a signing.

I Really, Really Love This Team

Results and performances are great at the moment but, for Sim, what makes this side stand out is just how likeable it is - and Friday’s win was the clearest evidence of that.

Why Friday Night Is Our Biggest Game Of The Season So Far

It seems like a pretty obvious thing to say considering the circumstances, but here’s why Harry thinks our season could be defined by Friday night’s game.

Tuesday Night’s Win Shows Just How Far We’ve Come

The progress we’ve made this season is clear for all to see, but Tuesday’s win over Coventry highlighted it more than most games so far - and here's why.

Reading’s Extended Break From Championship Action Is A Double-Edged Sword

The 17-day gap in league games for Reading brings a significant fitness boost to a fatigued squad, but isn’t without its dangers.