Reading FC 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday: Player Ratings

Adam Federici: 7

Federici has had plenty of opportunities to look good this season thanks to Reading's lacklustre defending but today he showed why he genuinely is one of the best goalkeepers at this level. Federici had a very quiet first 45 minutes before producing an outstanding save low to his right with just seconds to go before half-time. The Australian also had to deal with some tricky balls in late on but kept his composure to pick up a clean sheet on his 30th birthday.

Jordan Obita: 6

Not the finest day for the left-back who was the weak link in an otherwise outstanding defence. Not that last year's Player of the Season had a bad game but he was caught out a bit too much for my liking and gifted Wednesday their best chance just before half time. Set pieces were OK but nothing that really caused havoc in the visitors' penalty area.

Michael Hector: 7

Big Hec is improving game on game and is showing why he might just make it as a top Championship defender in the long run. He's keeping things simple, while also not being afraid to take an extra touch when he's got the time to do so. You still get a little nervous when he does take that extra touch but he compliments Alex Pearce well and his athleticism is welcome in the back line.

Alex Pearce: 7

This is the Pearce that won the Player of the Season vote nearly three years ago. Has very much embraced the captaincy and produced another composed and dominant display at the heart of the defence.

Stephen Kelly: 8

Westy won't thank me for saying this but I thought Kelly had an excellent game that showed why he was a Premier League player for the best part of a decade. His cross for Pavel Pogrebnyak's opener was delightful and defensively he did everything asked of him.

Nathaniel Chalobah: 7

As I said in my match report you could see exactly why Chalobah is so highly thought of by Chelsea and yet just why he's not playing Premier League football right now. Strong in the tackle and with a great eye for a pass he put in a more dominant display than we've seen from Norwood in recent weeks but at the same time he was caught out a fair few times and was far too casual with possession. His goal nudges him up a point and it'll take him time to get fully up to speed so overall a promising performance.

Danny Williams: 8

Welcome back Danny Williams, I've missed you! For the first time this season I saw the Danny Williams from early 2014. The USA International was at his dynamic best, driving forward with the ball while also hassling his opponents when off the ball. Whether it was having Chalobah alongside him or just that he's finally back to full fitness I'm not sure but either way if we get more performances like this then Reading will be picking up plenty of points in 2015.

Hal Robson-Kanu: 6

Had he not produced perhaps the worst penalty I've seen from a Reading player then Hal would almost certainly have got a seven for what was an encouraging performance. His pass to set SImon Cox through on goal was terrific and overall he looked a real threat going forward. Sadly you can't get away with a penalty as bad as that and get a seven!

Garath McCleary: 7

The opposite of Robson-Kanu really because had he not provided an assist G-Mac would be walking away with a six based on the rest of his time on the pitch. McCleary is always going to be a threat with his pace and trickery but those will count for little if he continues to put in such disappointing crosses at the end of them. Thankfully one did find the mark and I'll very much settle for 9 average crosses if the tenth brings us a goal week in week out. Looked very tired in the second half but after several heavy tackles I wonder if he picked up a slight knock.

Simon Cox: 6

Cox and Pogrebnyak looked a decent partnership but sadly the former Swindon forward was guilty of wasting two big chances. His linkup play was good but you have to be more clinical when playing in a struggling team and this performance only convinced me that we're still short of a striker.

Pavel Pogrebnyak: 9

One of Pog's best performances in a Reading shirt as the big Russian scored one and also won the penalty wasted by Robson-Kanu. Pogrebnyak was everywhere this afternoon, displaying some excellent hold up play as well as finishing the one real chance he was presented with. You'd still like to see him in the box a bit more but this was more like the player we thought we were getting three years ago.

SUBSTITUTES

Oliver Norwood: 6

The decision to drop Norwood seemed a little harsh pre-match but the midfielder will have to step up his game if he's to work his way back past Chalobah or Williams based on today's showing. Norwood was given 25 minutes today and while showing some good touches did very little to stake a claim for the next home game. Will likely come in to a three man midfield at Wolves but has work ahead of him. Wasted a great free-kick late on.

Jamie Mackie: 5

Didn't really notice the Forest loanee who was brought on for some late energy after McCleary tired. Should have done better after getting on the end of a cross in the penalty box but saw his touch let him down.

Nick Blackman: 6

One outstanding marauding run that nearly produced a third goal.