Brighton 1-0 Reading: Player Ratings

Adam Federici: 5

First and foremost he was helpless for the goal. Else while he kicked proficiently and made a save to tip March’s effort onto the bar 0-0, and another from Agustien at 1-0. After time on the bench, showed he is still solid at this level.

Chris Gunter: 5

Once again provided width down the right wing in attacks, but found himself isolated so struggled with any kind of end product. Became caught up in a silly short free-kick in a defensive position with Jordan Obita that almost gifted Brighton a 2^nd.

Alex Pearce: 5

Was the unfortunate creator of the Brighton goal as his deflection hit the back of the net, but otherwise dealt with crosses fairly well. In honesty, a fairly quiet day for Pearce with little else of note.

Kaspars Gorkss: 5

Always tried to do too much on the ball when in possession, playing out from the back surely demands he do things more simply. Was beaten to the ball by Ashley Barnes to allow a knock-down for the goal.

Stephen Kelly: 4

His inclusion hopefully wasn’t down to his goal heroics in the week, as I’m not sure that’s how it works for left-backs. In this case the Irish international offered nothing going forward and was constantly caught with balls over his shoulder. Clearly isn’t settled into his position or the team’s style and was replaced with 20 minutes to go to allow Jordan Obita to attack from left-back.

Danny Guthrie: 3

Today’s captain, but it is really hard to define his exact use at the moment. In defence he was poor, and in possession his link up play rarely advances us towards goal. Perhaps in need of a rest, or reduced reliance.

Jake Taylor: 5

Little impact from the academy talent given his first starting berth. Perhaps too lightweight for central midfield, but put in a good cross for Alfie late on when pushed to out wide right. Sliced over late on from 5 yards after a goalmouth scramble.

Jordan Obita: 6

Again probably a bit lightweight for a centre mid, especially with poor decision making when on the ball in his own half. Yet was involved in 2^nd half attacks for Reading and remained a decent option from left back in the latter stages.

Garath McCleary: 5

Would be higher for a generally forward thinking and positive display from the winger, played on the left today. But, never found a man with any of his final balls. Maybe can consider himself unfairly subbed late on.

Nick Blackman: 6

Also fairly dynamic and happy to run at Brighton early on, but despite this impetus ultimately struggled to produce in the final third. Subbed off with what looked like a knock before the hour. Felt nice that I wasn’t disappointed he had started a game for once.

Adam Le Fondre: 5

Pretty anonymous in the first half, but got into the channels and in the 2^nd half started to win some long balls and show a threat. When he got his chance, he sent a free header over the bar from 10 yards out. Low on confidence, but still the fans sang his name…

Subs:

Danny Williams: 6

Offered central midfield stability when introduced so Obita and Taylor could get more involved in attacks.

Royston Drenthe: 4

Never got into his stride, and struggled to beat defenders. Booked for a ball-winning but in-the-air lunge.

Pavel Pogrebnyak: N/A.

Thrown on a little too late, and thus never saw the ball.