Reading FC 1-2 Middlesbrough: Player Ratings

Rafael: 7

Could do little about either goal, but made a couple of good saves to stop the scoreline from being any worse. Promising to see him looking to start attacks with quick distribution.

Gabriel Osho: 6

A strong threat down the right hand side as he put in a couple of dangerous crosses. A little shaky defensively though, and he perhaps should have done better for Middlesbrough’s second goal as the ball came in from his side.

Michael Morrison: 6

Had a nervy moment when he sliced a clearance, but a generally comfortable performance if not quite as commanding as in recent games.

Tom McIntyre: 5

A difficult evening for McIntyre, as he struggled against both Fletcher - who rose higher than him to head in the first goal - and the physicality of Assombalonga. Could be accused of occasionally backing off oncoming forwards.

Tyler Blackett: 6

Clever flick to get the assist for Moore’s goal, but did little else of note. That suggests he was fine in his defensive role, but wasn’t involved too much going forward.

Liam Moore: 6

In the right place at the right time to score the opener, and largely solid for the most part until he was caught out for Middlesbrough’s winning goal when he should have done more to stop the ball across the box.

Yakou Meite: 5

Got the better of Friend down Reading’s right hand side on a couple of occasions, but was generally left frustrated. Should have done better with a number of chances that came his way.

John Swift: 5

Kept Reading ticking along in the middle of the park, but never really got out of second gear and created very little. Unlucky to hit the post in the first half.

Andy Rinomhota: 5

Comfortable defensively with a few strong tackles, but didn’t do enough to get Reading up the pitch or provide the spark that the team needed.

Michael Olise: 6

A decent attacking outlet throughout the game, although his end product was fairly disappointing. Whipped in the corner that Reading scored from.

George Puscas: 5

I feel like I’m writing the same thing about Puscas every week, but he is so often isolated upfront despite working relatively hard. Cuts an increasingly frustrated figure.

Substitutes

Ayub Masika: 4

Had virtually no impact when he came on. Blazed well over the bar late on which pretty much summed up Reading’s evening.

Sam Baldock: 5

Like Puscas, Baldock didn’t have much joy upfront but did try to get involved in the game as much as he could.

Jordan Obita and Garath McCleary: N/A

Came on just after Reading had conceded and did little to help find an equaliser.

Average: 5.46/10

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