Huddersfield Town 1-2 Reading: Player Ratings

Rafael: 6

Could do nothing about Huddersfield’s goal and then had virtually nothing to do until the 80th minute when he made a great save down to his right to deny Mbenza before coming out and making a decisive punch a few minutes later.

Tom Holmes: 5

Moved across to right-back and had a slightly shaky afternoon. Beaten too easily in the air by Campbell for the goal and continued to struggle with his defensive duties as the majority of Huddersfield’s attacks came down his side. Better going forward and nearly scored on the stroke of half-time with a header that forced an excellent save from Schofield.

Michael Morrison: 6

A quiet afternoon for the stand-in skipper as Huddersfield rarely threatened until the final 10 minutes, but he did the basics right and will have been an assuring presence for the three young defenders alongside him.

Tom McIntyre: 7

Like Morrison, McIntyre was rarely troubled at the back. Looked to create chances with several long balls and through balls forward, which finally paid off as his well-weighted clip over the top set up Joao’s first goal.

Omar Richards: 6

Could be criticised for not closing down the cross well enough for Huddersfield’s goal, but Richards improved as the game went on and was involved in a number of attacks down the left hand side. Made a couple of key tackles too.

Andy Rinomhota: 6

The metronome. A fairly quiet afternoon for Rinomhota in the holding role as he kept things ticking over, tidying up loose balls and providing a strong shield for the back four.

Josh Laurent: 8

Involved in pretty much everything Reading did and it is hard to see how this side properly operates without him. Whether it was making interceptions, threading through balls or making promising runs forward himself, Laurent was the man to turn to.

Sone Aluko: 6

A really lively afternoon for Aluko, who put in a good audition to start on a more regular basis. Reading’s best attacking threat in the first half, he just needs to improve when it comes to the final ball or getting a decent shot away.

John Swift: 6

Clearly wasn’t at maximum sharpness on his first start in over three months, but his quality was still abundantly clear whenever he played a defence-splitting pass or delivered the ball in from a dead ball situation. A taster of the impact he’ll have on the side when he is fully fit.

Ovie Ejaria: 5

Struggled in the first half but improved in the second, yet still seemed a bit lightweight on occasions. Involved in some neat link up play and was typically skilful with the ball at his feet, but needs to know when to release it.

Lucas Joao: 8

Couldn’t quite get into the game in the first half, but came alive after the break and turned the game on its head. Took his two goals exceptionally well, particularly the second which was a sublime effort from outside of the box. If he stays fit, Reading will finish in the top six.

Substitutes

Michael Olise: 6

As skilful as ever when he came on and was at the heart of all Reading’s attacking moves in the final half an hour. Got his eighth assist of the season as he set up Joao’s second.

Alfa Semedo, Sam Baldock and Tomas Esteves: N/A

All came on in the final 10 minutes and helped Reading see out the win.

Average: 6.25/10

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