Cardiff 0-1 Reading FC: Player Ratings

Ali Al Habsi - 6

Wasn’t tested too much by a poor Cardiff frontline, dealt with what he had to well, including one curling shot pushed round the post, his distribution seemed improved too.

Chris Gunter - 7

Managed to keep his countryman Jazz Richards quiet at wingback while also pushing forwards well and putting in a couple of decent crosses.

Paul McShane - 6

Looked comfortable and seemed to enjoy playing alongside Liam Moore, brought the ball out of defence well.

Liam Moore - 6

A good league debut, looks assured in possession and clearly brings an extra yard of pace to the Reading back four, allowing the defenders to play higher up the pitch.

Tyler Blackett - 6

A decent debut, will take time to settle and was surprised to see him start ahead of Obita, gave away the ball on a few occasions.

Joey Van Den Berg - 7

My man of the match, played a lovely mix of short and 50-yard-on-a-sixpence passes, also when Cardiff were playing a creative midfield three it was good to see the kind of ‘let them know you’re there’ challenges we haven’t seen since Mikele Leigertwood left.

George Evans - 5

Didn’t really push the team forwards, playing slightly higher up the pitch understandably brought off for Quinn in the second half.

Danny Williams - 6

Looking improved in this new system, was involved in some good moves, was unlucky not to hit the target with a decent shot on the turn.

Gareth McCleary - 7

Enjoying the new system and seems to be reaping the benefits of having a proper pre-season with Reading, selflessly set up Beerens for what should’ve been a tap in.

Roy Beerens - 5

Was sloppy in possession at times and the tricks didn’t seem to work against an experienced Cardiff back three, also put no power into a shot from six yards that should’ve given Reading a 1-0 lead 70 minutes in.

Yann Kermorgant - 7

Very good finish to win the game hopefully gives him a confidence boost, was up for the physical battle with Sean Morrison, could’ve scored in the first half too when the ball broke to him at a corner but the shot was blocked on the line.

Substitutes

Stephen Quinn - 6

Came on and provided a lot of energy linking up well down the left with Gareth McCleary.

Jordan Obita - N/A

Average Rating: 6.2

Best and worst performances from 2016/2017:

6.7 - Preston North End H (W 1-0)

6.4 - Plymouth Argyle H (W 2-0)

6.2 - Cardiff City A (W 1-0)

6.0 - AVERAGE

5.6 - Newcastle United A (L 1-4)

5.5 - MK Dons H (W 2-2)

5.2 - Wolverhampton Wanderers A (L 0-2)

Season's Ratings: