Reading 2-1 Preston North End: Player Ratings

Rafael Cabral: 7

A 6.5 performance bumped up to a 7 on the back of his late saves that secured the three points for the Royals. His distribution was poor throughout the game and has to improve.

Michael Morrison: 6

Steady performance only marred by the handball that led to Preston’s penalty. Good to see him doing the occasional foray forward into the opposition final third.

Liam Moore: 6

Didn’t put a foot wrong, but Preston offered very little going forward.

Tom McIntyre: 7

I lost count of the number of headers he won at the back. Really put himself about and again showed composure on the ball.

Andy Yiadom: 6

Decent in defence and going forward. The usual reliable performance we have come to expect from Yiadom.

Andy Rinomhota: 6

Another player who did his job well. Since Laurent’s arrival, he sits deeper than he used to and does the dirty, unspectacular job of shielding the defence.

Josh Laurent: 7

The second-classiest player on the pitch behind Swift. High in energy and so graceful on the ball. Great cross that led to the opening goal. He would be mad to move to Nottingham Forest; a bosman move to the Premier League or a relegated team surely sadly beckons next summer.

Ethan Bristow: 6

Similar performance to Yiadom, which is praise given this was his second league start. Didn’t look out of place and hopefully will become more confident, particularly going forward, with more games, like Omar Richards did overtime. Maybe should have scored in the first half, but it was a superb Preston defensive block.

John Swift: 8

At the heart of everything good about Reading. The standout player on the pitch who ultimately made the difference. We should enjoy him whilst we have him because it’s hard to see him staying in Berkshire after his contract expires next summer.

Femi Azeez: 7

Before his goal he looked a little lightweight, but boy is he a danger when you get him running at goal. His pace will always cause problems and with better finishing he could have had a hat trick.

Lucas João: 6

Showed glimpses of the João who was so effective last season. Linked up well with Swift throughout the game and laid on the assist for the winner. Should have scored when he hit the post just after half-time. If that had gone in, he would have been awarded a 7 and Reading would have had a much more comfortable second half against a limited Preston team.

Subs

George Pușcaș: (N/A)

Had little time to make an impact, but was caught out ball watching a few times when he should have been supporting teammates in defence.

Average: 6.54/10

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