Reading 3-3 QPR: Player Ratings

Rafael: 6

It didn't really feel like he had a lot to do, despite conceding three. I wouldn't have him at fault for any of the goals. Made some decent stops though - one in the second half from close range stood out, while he was also somewhat unlucky to concede the third right after a stop.

Andy Yiadom: 7

Probably his best game defensively this season. Put in a few committed challenges across the game, including one vital stop in the second half just before Rafael's fine close-range save.

Pretty good offensively, and involved in the build-up for Reading's second goal with an overlapping run before playing it in for TDB.

Michael Morrison: 4

A poor afternoon from Morro who inadvertently gave QPR the lead with an own goal, and was also at fault for their second. He was conspicuously out of position before the cross came in - problematic at any time, let alone when you need to keep things tight right after going 3-1 up.

Liam Moore: 6

More assured defensively than he has been in recent weeks, although that probably says more about previous performances. No major worries individually, although Reading's collective defensive issues suggest a broader inability to take charge - Moore as captain takes some responsibility there.

On the flip side, he set up Swift for Reading's third so goes home with an assist. It's not every day you get to praise Moore's overlapping runs, but he did that well in support of Ejaria.

Baba Rahman: 6

A solid debut at left back. Reading have badly lacked authority in that position this season so it was refreshing to see Rahman look composed, albeit unspectacular. Could have had an assist for Puscas, putting in a great cross from the left that the striker almost nodded in.

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 7

I really like him in this role. TDB replaced Rinomhota as the more advanced of Reading's double pivot, and added some real dynamism to the position. Technically good and had some nice bursts of energy to push Reading upfield. Went home with an assist for playing in Swift's second.

Josh Laurent: 6

A solid shift in the middle from Laurent, who put himself about pretty well in the middle, although Reading's midfield sometimes looked too open. He seemed to be that bit more focused on defensive work with midfield partner Dele-Bashiru doing the more attacking stuff.

Alen Halilovic: 6

Contributed one of the game's best moments in the first half, but cancelled it out with one of the most frustrating in the second.

His ball over the top for Swift to level the game at 1-1 was exquisite: great vision and quality to unlock QPR's defence. But he showed some poor game management late on to give the ball away needlessly, allowing the counter which led to 3-3.

In general he looks a bright presence on the right wing. He's technically good, quick-footed and positive - shown by a long-range effort early in the second half that wasn't too far from the top corner. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him.

John Swift: 9

In a word: ruthless. Swifty's finishing was on point against QPR, finishing off chances with a clinical nature you'd expect of an accomplished centre forward.

Plus, I love the fact that he's getting into these positions in the first place. On the end of a through ball for his first goal, then finding space in the area for two and three. While we love his creativity and ability to score from range, that poacher's instinct adds yet another string to his bow.

So why not a 10? We're deliberately harsh markers, so only a literally perfect performance would have been worth a literally perfect score. In this case that could have been more creativity for his teammates, but when you're quibbling about that, you know it's been a brilliant performance.

Ovie Ejaria: 6

You could tell this was his first match back after being ruled out for a while. Ejaria wasn't at his sharpest, and he'll take a bit of time to get there.

That said, I thought he gave Reading some quality down the left that we otherwise take for granted. He's that bit better at retaining the ball, keeping it moving and protecting his left back than the other options we've seen this season.

George Puscas: 6

This was the most 'at home' Puscas has looked as a lone striker for Reading in quite a while. Although his work rate and holdup have been improving in recent weeks (again decent today), he looked like significantly more of a presence in the final third.

That's because, for a pleasant surprise, he got some decent service. Reading were noticeably quicker and keener to play the ball direct to him in an attempt to get him in behind, and he had a few openings as a result.

Puscas could (should in some cases) have done better with those chances. He blasted a shot off target when through in the first half, succumbed to a challenge when through in the second, and nodded wide from a Rahman cross.

There's a lot more improvement to come (scoring goals), but we're seeing improvement. It's up to Puscas and those supplying him to keep that going.

Subs

Tom Holmes: N/A

No score, given he was only introduced in the 83rd minute. Questions have to be asked as to why he replaced Puscas though; Reading lacked attacking threat and outlet after this switch. While bringing Holmes on made some sense, if it had to be done it should have been for someone else.

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Average: 6.27/10

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