The Tilehurst End - Reading FC v Swansea City: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2017-09-21T18:11:12+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/160971392017-09-21T18:11:12+01:002017-09-21T18:11:12+01:00Brentford & Swansea City: The Alternative View
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<p>Frustrating, wasteful and no cutting edge were a few of the phrases that were used for the trip to Brentford and the home match against Swansea. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Reading's away form has never been what you call consistent, and facing winless Brentford at Griffin Park, many would have pretty much banked on a #Bees win, as generally we help struggling teams (Villa last season anyone!). However we got a draw, and welcomed Premier League Swansea to the Mad Stad, fielding what was nearly a full strength team. Before the game with a Bayern Munich loan signing in Renato Sanches and a £12m signing of Bony, you could argue that Reading would have done well to get anything out of this game.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What we got out of the Swansea match is pretty much what we deserved, but I wasn’t overly impressed with them as a Premier League team. Indeed in the first half there was little to choose from. A quick scuffle at halftime livened the place up, which previously had bordered on a library, and then in the second half you have to say that Swansea took the first goal well and then got a little lucky with the second, but as the phrase goes – you make your own luck.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, on to the Twittersphere and media to see what reaction was out there.</p>
<h3>Brentford</h3>
<h4>Social</h4>
<h4>Oh we know how this feels...</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Too many side passes in the box are fails <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrentfordFC?src=hash">#BrentfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beepositive?src=hash">#Beepositive</a> SHOOT!!!</p>
— Deb (@DebbeeHorwood) <a href="https://twitter.com/DebbeeHorwood/status/909144060325253122">September 16, 2017</a>
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<h4>Never a truer word said in jest.</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Could be worse boys and girls , you could be a Birmingham fan <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brentfordfc?src=hash">#brentfordfc</a></p>
— chris whittart (@fatwhit5) <a href="https://twitter.com/fatwhit5/status/909117697425907712">September 16, 2017</a>
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<h4>Think there might be a few clubs quoting this later this season!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's the year 2056. AI robots now rule the Earth. Humans have figured out interstellar travel. Brentford still haven't won. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/brentfordfc?src=hash">#brentfordfc</a></p>
— Adrian Lee (@adrizrace44) <a href="https://twitter.com/adrizrace44/status/909083785030983682">September 16, 2017</a>
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<h4>The grass isn't always greener!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dean, Jota and Colin right now.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrentfordFC?src=hash">#BrentfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCFC?src=hash">#BCFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/3EaG4kToG8">pic.twitter.com/3EaG4kToG8</a></p>
— Ali Mullaley (@alimullaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/alimullaley/status/909116802256470016">September 16, 2017</a>
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<h4>Media</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Slim pickings for this one and the bad side of football appeared in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4892322/Reading-FC-fans-set-smoke-bomb-packed-train.html">Daily Mail</a>, and rather than the game they focussed on some over exuberant "fans" deciding it would be a good idea (not), to let a smoke bomb off on a train to the game. This is something football and Reading can do without.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, back to the football game itself and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.skysports.com/football/brentford-vs-reading/374705">Sky </a>carry their usual highlights package of 1 min 24, and their report mainly centres around the Bees failing to hold onto the lead. Still it’s worth watching for a cracking penalty from Liam Kelly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/smith-criticises-referee-bees-draw-reading">West London Sport</a> focus a lot around Dean Smith having a good old whinge about the referee, saying two tackles from behind went unpunished when our players were already on yellows. As a general rule you have to say that the standard of officiating this season is probably at an all time low, and I feel is something that the FA need to address.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41209773">BBC </a>for once aren’t completely down on us, they reckon we improved after the break, a few Reading fans will point to that not being an overly hard thing to achieve, and again they focus on the comments from Dean Smith about the referee. My only concern is that Stam seems to be playing soundbite bingo after the games, but at least he is honest enough to say that we probably didn’t deserve much more.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jonathan's match report over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/brentford-1-reading-fc-1-13630111">GetReading </a>is much improved from his last outing this week and gives a good and just report of the game, saying that the draw was a correct result and you also get his video verdict of the game.</p>
<h3>Swansea</h3>
<h4>Really struggling with this viewpoint</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash">#LFC</a> fans really want to spend energy and pick up injuries in the League Cup? I'm a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash">#Swans</a> fan and I wanted <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash">#readingfc</a> to turn us over</p>
— Mark Davies (@MarkDaviesUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkDaviesUK/status/910269704455036929">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>Who are you?</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tuesday night glamour tie, reading away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/carabaocup?src=hash">#carabaocup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/carabao?src=hash">#carabao</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/swans?src=hash">#swans</a> @ Reading Football Club,… <a href="https://t.co/PEQxSZpYNd">https://t.co/PEQxSZpYNd</a></p>
— Steven Morgans (@smorgs82) <a href="https://twitter.com/smorgs82/status/910266628545196032">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>I, for one didn't think he was worth the £36m Bayern Munich paid for him</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/renatosanches35">@renatosanches35</a> clearly settling in well, clearly growing in confidence, growing in every game for <a href="https://twitter.com/SwansOfficial">@SwansOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash">#Swans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yjb?src=hash">#yjb</a></p>
— Simon Roberts (@taffysarmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/taffysarmy/status/910262308496166917">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>Looking at their defense last night this stat is shocking</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Swansea City have now conceded only 1 goal this season in 450' of football away from the Liberty (1-4 win vs MK Dons). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash">#Swans</a></p>
— mike tumulty (@mtumulty) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtumulty/status/910245844007493632">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>Talk about getting carried away...</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's book our tickets to Wembley <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash">#Swans</a></p>
— Al (@AlexxPan) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexxPan/status/910243540390866945">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>One way of looking at it!</h4>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice assist ref. Good man. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash">#Swans</a></p>
— Ben Jones-Groves (@5characters_) <a href="https://twitter.com/5characters_/status/910242991398424580">September 19, 2017</a>
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<h4>Media</h4>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bit more coverage for this one, but then you would expect that being a Premier League team. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4900148/Reading-0-2-Swansea-Match-report.html">The Daily Mail</a> actually give us a bit of credit, saying that we settled the easier and Popa and Swift both wasted encouraging chances. They also say we were "spirited", personally I would prefer the phrase "effective" if we could actually score a goal!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/swansea-through-to-carabao-cup-fourth-round-after-routine-win-over-reading-36149584.html">The Irish independent</a> call it a comfortable win for Swansea, once again saying that we started off brightly and also mentioned the "brawl" (really?) at halftime and that the first half was dour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/swansea-city-talking-points-roque-13646036">Wales Online</a> reckon it was a comfortable win, with the Swans being able to deal with our early enthusiasm, and that their defensive record is pretty impressive at the moment. They focus on a couple of their players, reckoning that Sanches is "over thinking" and trying too hard to rediscover his form.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41235274">BBC </a>and they go one step further and call the second goal "controversial" (or they could just read the rules of the game!) and Sanches impressed with the ball (hmmmm). However they do mention that we were very much in the game, right up till they scored – amazing that.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To finish off with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/reading-fc-0-swansea-city-13645502">GetReading </a>and Jonathan makes a valid point, we were really good right up to having to do something with the ball, and lacked a clinical edge. He also mentions the "bust up" and is also the only outlet to mention that Fer got a yellow for it, even though every other paper said no cards were produced (credit to Jon).</p>
<h3>Summary</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oh it’s hard to be a positive Reading fan at the moment. The last few results haven’t been what we have wanted or expected, and I dare say the coaching team are somewhat bewildered as to our current form.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yes a lot can be asked around why we didn’t play a centre forward and why we did carry on with the false nine experiment, which really for me isn’t working. If you're Spain you can pull it off, but we don’t have the world class players at our disposal to do this.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My biggest worry (and I tweeted this last night) is the awful atmosphere - or lack thereof - at the Madejski at the moment. Yes we turn up expecting the team to entertain us, and in some respects rightly we can complain of how can we get excited when there is little to get excited about? But, can we truly sit there and accept the announcer going "thanks for your support and backing" when there is more get up and go in the local cemetery?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We have to do our part regardless of the tempo the team is playing at and give the boys something back. As The Secret Footballer said "it’s easy to play as an away side when the fans are polite" – maybe we should make the Mad Stad a place where teams don’t want to come rather than a nice warm environment for teams to show up and not have to worry about the crowd? Just a thought but we are in a partnership with the team, maybe we should look at ourselves as fans and not just demand it?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Onto Hull, how about we start there and see if we, as fans can do our part and see if it makes a difference!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/21/16340170/brentford-championship-swansea-city-league-cup-carabao-alternative-viewdavemc_exile2017-09-20T19:27:25+01:002017-09-20T19:27:25+01:00Stam on Swansea Cup Defeat
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<img alt="Reading v Fulham - Sky Bet Championship Play Off: Second Leg" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3OSrYkzweav6UN-50MP77py8gqg=/4x0:4924x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56774751/683867700.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The gaffer was trying to see the positives from last night’s cup exit.</p> <p id="6505p3">Swansea were the visitors to the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday evening in the third round of the Carabao Cup. </p>
<p id="WNFxj9">Reading made plenty of changes and for the cup tie but goals from Alfie Mawson and Jordan Ayew meant Swansea left with a 2-0 victory and our journey is over for another year. </p>
<p id="TrnPjH">Jaap Stam was disappointed after the game, he told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a>, </p>
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<p id="jJebv3">"The result is not what we wanted...but sometimes you don't get what you want or what you deserve," </p>
<p id="CkUsep">"I think if you watch that game you could say we feel a little hard done by. We knew we were facing a good side, but you can see from the start of the game what our intentions were; to go forward, play our own game, get into their box and in front of their goal.</p>
<p id="QH2ZlX">"We knew if we could play our game and do it well we'd have a chance against them. And we did very well in the first half and at the start of the second half, creating chances and dominating large parts of the game.</p>
<p id="CXoMmT">"But it's all about the result, I understand that too. And they scored their goal from a set piece our on the right - that can never happen, you need to mark your man so he can't put that ball in the net. </p>
<p id="ddF6rr">"We tried to push to get that equaliser. But after they scored their first goal, they dropped another defender in there and sat even more in front of their goal, making the spaces very narrow, very tight."</p>
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<p id="zFSZdv">Swansea scored their second in controversial version when referee Andy Davies touched the ball, which the Swans broke from, Ayew scored and they secured their spot in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. </p>
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<p id="OhF6I7">"We wanted to pass it into one of our midfield players, the referee was in there, he touched it, they broke and scored that second goal.</p>
<p id="esshlo">"We need to accept it because we can't do anything about it. It happened. But just as we take our positions on the pitch, the referee needs to take his position on the pitch as well so he doesn't interfere.</p>
<p id="LExmoP">"He did, and unfortunately for us he touched the ball to allow them to come out on the break and score - a goal which you could see was a big relief to them.</p>
<p id="MqX4q8">"After that, the game's not done, but it's very, very difficult to come back. But, overall, on the ball I think we did very well. And we'll definitely take a lot of positives from this game."</p>
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<p id="DNG2cU">It’s back to the league this weekend with Hull the visitors on Saturday. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/20/16340028/jaap-stam-on-swansea-cup-defeat-reading-fcsophierfc102017-09-20T10:39:12+01:002017-09-20T10:39:12+01:00Reading v Swansea Ratings: Swift Rusty, Popa Promising
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<img alt="Reading v Swansea City - Carabao Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BggzhvBe6peBKmMK7UjYokzZe3s=/0x0:3342x2228/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56766461/849641118.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We’re out of the cup but did anyone do enough to stand out?</p> <h3 id="3M6Nmg"><strong>Anssi Jaakkola: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="CFkw07">A mixed performance from the Finnish keeper. He produced a great one-on-one save in the first half from Narsingh and cannot be faulted for either of the Swansea goals. However, his distribution was inconsistent and his confusion over whether a ball at his feet had come from an Ilori backpass <em>would</em> have been comical, if I hadn’t nearly had a heart attack as the ball was cleared for a corner.</p>
<h3 id="YCYwFD"><strong>Chris Gunter: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="tzt3xT">It seems like we keep saying it week after week: once again another typical Chris Gunter performance. The full-back is an increasingly steadying presence down the right-hand side and even produced some swashbuckling forward runs. The Welshman also gets bonus points for being one of the few players to come and clap the fans after the match – a simple touch which reminds us that he’s no coward when it comes to facing this slight slump in the Royals’ form.</p>
<h3 id="DJLJnL"><strong>Tiago Ilori: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="YWTKTd">The Portuguese was not at his best and seems to be suffering from the way he has drifted in and out of the starting line-up this season. Against Wilfried Bony in his pomp, I would have expected him to struggle. Against an out-of-form Wilfried Bony, I thought he did well – but could have done better. His composure on the ball was lacking, notably leading to misplaced passes and one Maggie Simpson style faceplant as he tried to evade Swansea’s Ivorian frontman. </p>
<h3 id="xEBTV3"><strong>Liam Moore: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="E28QJ3">His solid performance could have earned Moore a higher rating, but we’ve come to expect a lot from the centre-back. Commanding as always, he put in some impressive blocks and challenges. Watching back Mawson’s goal, he was nearest to the opposition’s number 6 – but appeared to be marking Bony, so shouldn’t be criticised.</p>
<h3 id="3S6P00"><strong>Jordan Obita: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="ZjKVcE">A decidedly average performance on his return from injury. The left-back’s contributions going forward was a noticeable improvement in Reading’s attacking play, but he was off the pace. Before his 62nd minute substitution he was given a torrid time by Wayne Routledge and his frustration showed near the end of the first half.</p>
<h3 id="vJI6ym"><strong>George Evans: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="F66NRV">As the deep-lying midfielder in Stam’s system, George did his job efficiently. Defensively he seemed solid, although Mawson may have been his man for the Swansea opener. His passing was sharp, aside from when he found referee Andy Davies, leading to Swansea’s second.</p>
<h3 id="6IyXCB"><strong>Leandro Bacuna: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="WSgrn8">A fairly uneventful game for the Curacao international, who did come out of his battle with fellow internationals Leroy Fer and Renato Sanches with a yellow card. After seeing a glimpse of his attacking prowess with his goal against Millwall, it wasn’t surprising to see him burst forward with intent at times, also coming close to a consolation goal with a curling shot late in the game. Having lived with Aston Villa fans the last two years, I know that consistency is key in Bacuna’s game – hopefully more games will see him fulfil his potential in blue and white. </p>
<h3 id="jtKyYf"><strong>John Swift: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="dj4FSt">The less said about Swift’s game, the better. Aside from a tame effort into the hands of Kristoffer Nordfeldt, the playmaker struggled on his return from injury. Almost every involvement felt too rushed, or too complacent. His willingness to show for the ball at all times, and to try tricks, means that a bad day for Swift is conspicuous. Replaced after 55 minutes, he needs time to get back to pace. </p>
<h3 id="hdlClS"><strong>Adrian Popa: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="qOm5nt">The Romanian wide-man knows that his position at the club is under challenge, due to the huge competition to play on the wings, and stood out. His pace and trickery means that he could be seen as similar to Mo Barrow and, like the Gambian Royal, he provided a creative attacking outlet in blue and white. Substituted after 75 minutes, the only question mark has to be his fitness.</p>
<h3 id="9pIHfE"><strong>Pelle Clement: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="G7cSU9">An unremarkable game from Clement, who started as the false nine spearheading the Royals attack. He drifted around the pitch, contributing to build up play and working hard, without making any particularly exciting contributions. Pushed out wide after Bodvarsson’s introduction, he failed to make any real impact.</p>
<h3 id="bb5gWq"><strong>Roy Beerens: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="0070vE">The Dutch wide-man put in a fairly typical performance, providing some creativity out wide. At times, he operated as the main attacking outlet for Reading, although his lack of pace and aerial ability really showed. Came close to scoring in the first half as his curling effort whizzed over the top corner of the Swansea net. </p>
<p id="krBMOX"><strong>Subs</strong></p>
<h3 id="zrdzGZ"><strong>Liam Kelly: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="Qozfkm">Came on for Swift and injected some aggression and intent into what was a fairly toothless performance. As always, he contributed with some neat build-up play, but cannot be Reading’s saviour every week.</p>
<h3 id="ua9amr"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="G6ZB6f">Replaced Obita just after the hour mark and did his best to offer an attacking presence as Reading chased the game. Put in some big tackles, including one near the centre circle that could have gone horribly wrong, but didn’t. It will be interesting to see whether Obita’s return spurs him to up his game.</p>
<h3 id="aq06by"><strong>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="t6QzWS">Came on for the last 15 minutes, but I can’t remember him touching the ball. At one point it appeared that he had to be told by Clement to get into the box, as the wide-man attempted to create some space. </p>
<p id="gBf5YT"><em>Who was your man of the match? Vote in our poll below or have your say in the comment section.</em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/20/16338082/reading-fc-0-2-swansea-city-player-ratings-carabao-cup-september-19-2017-madejski-stadiumFrankly Royal2017-09-20T10:26:02+01:002017-09-20T10:26:02+01:00Reading 0-2 Swansea: Frustrating
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<img alt="Reading v Swansea City - Carabao Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jHgpZYgqaaalEdFf4n9vnWEb6rQ=/145x0:2580x1623/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56766417/849674060.0.jpg" />
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<p><em>Christian Frank gives you the lowdown on a frustrating evening at the Madejski Stadium.</em></p> <p id="lOpVoG">Reading looked to bounce back from their home defeat in the league game against Bristol City with a Carabao Cup fixture against Premier League strugglers Swansea. </p>
<p id="rSzS9P">The Royals made numerous changes to their starting XI from the draw at Brentford, with Anssi Jaakkola coming in in goal, Tiago Ilori, George Evans, Leandro Bacuna, Roy Beerens, Adi Popa and Pelle Clement all coming in alongside Chris Gunter and Liam Moore. Jordan Obita and John Swift also made their first starts since injures hampered the starts to their seasons. </p>
<h3 id="15WdhA">First half</h3>
<p id="Pi3J76">Surprise, surprise - the first half was a fairly quiet one, with few chances for both sides. It was interesting to see the Royals again operate without a recognised striker, but undoubtedly interest turned to frustration for most Reading fans. At times the Royals looked the better team, a particular bright spark being Romanian Popa, who’s Reading future has been talked about in his home country. The diminutive winger was a pacey threat on the right, and a cross from that flank led to Reading’s best chance of the first half, a John Swift shot from the edge of the area that was tamely struck into the chest of Nordfeldt in the Swans’ goal.</p>
<p id="n9R673">The main threat from Swansea was expected to come from big-name midfielder Renato Sanches, or the big man up front Wilfried Bony. Both disappointed in the first half, the main threat instead coming from the pace of Wayne Routledge against the returning Jordan Obita. Their battle moved from Reading’s left side to the right towards the end of the half, spilling over into some argy-bargy between the two. Bizarrely the argument continued and descended into a full-on shemozzle between both teams after the half-time whistle. Angry scenes as both sets of players walked off the pitch, which seemed to lead to no cards for any of the players as the officials lamely watched on. </p>
<h3 id="etAPZo">Second Half</h3>
<p id="zc4TSV">Both teams emerged unchanged after half time, perhaps surprising as John Swift looked off the pace in the first half and surely needs to be nursed back to match sharpness.</p>
<p id="WiReNt">Swansea started the second half with more intent, a clumsy Sanches foul on Bacuna followed by more pressure from the men in red shirts. Wilfried Bony saw two of his shots blocked, eventually winning a corner from the heroic Liam Moore. The Sanches corner that followed did not seem to be of particularly high quality, but it fell to the ever-dangerous Alfie Mawson, who hit the back of the net with a neat finish. The Swansea centre-back had already headed wide in the first half, but his marker seemed to lose him entirely at the near post for the goal. </p>
<p id="MJjmVb">Once the goal went in, there seemed an inevitability about the result. The Royals brought on top-scorer Liam Kelly for the disappointing Swift, but even the little Irish playmaker could not spring the team into life. Promising build-up play failed to produce quality shots on target for the home team, with fans around me bemoaning the lack of a genuine number 9 on the pitch. </p>
<p id="FOB0AW">Reading made further changes, Obita only lasting 62 minutes on his return to the starting XI as he was replaced by Blackett and Bodvarsson replacing the dangerous Popa.</p>
<p id="DOZ0uH">Things went from bad to worse when George Evans’ misplaced pass deflected off the referee Andy Davies, into the path of the Swansea midfield. With half of the players in blue and white stranded upfield and the rest back-pedalling against a pacey City counter-attack, the ball reached Jordan Ayew, who cut in on his right foot to slide a composed finish passed Jaakkola.</p>
<p id="7Ya5uz">It was the biggest ref assist since Neale Barry’s backside helped Norwich to score a late winner at the Mad Stad 13 years ago.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So what does Ayew's goal remind us of? But of course, it's Norwich stealing a jammy win at the Mad Stad in 03/04..! <a href="https://t.co/ljkqlvgA9O">pic.twitter.com/ljkqlvgA9O</a></p>— The Tilehurst End (@TheTilehurstEnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd/status/910251390966132738">September 19, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="o8N2Fu">The night petered out with the Royals pinging a few shots from distance at the Swansea goal, none troubling Nordfeldt as the game finished 0-2. </p>
<h3 id="f4iton">Final thoughts</h3>
<p id="5IOjqQ">Another frustrating home performance from the Royals. I thought we coped well with the Premier League side in the first half, but lacked any genuine threat on their goal. </p>
<p id="1iR9IE">It would have been nice to see Sam Smith on the pitch, rather than the bench, as a genuine striker could have provided a different focal point for Reading’s attacks. </p>
<p id="RDtj9b">While Pelle Clement drifted around and linked up play much more effectively than Swift, who has yet to recover from a slump in form towards the end of last season, he is not an effective substitute for a striker. </p>
<p id="YKwO2R">That being said, and Swift’s performance aside, there were very few bad performances from anyone in a Reading shirt. </p>
<p id="fUjf9u">Roy Beerens is a player who relies on confidence and starting games – last season he popped up with some important goals. This evening he came close to scoring with a curling effort, but without finding the net I’m not sure he’s threatening for a starting berth against Hull.</p>
<p id="9jkB2O">I’d be excited to see Popa given a chance, especially if Mo Barrow is unfit – they are similar ‘luxury players’, full of pace and trickery. We have to find a way to score more goals, otherwise unrest will start to really take a hold in the Reading ranks. </p>
<p id="UzVAsm">Next up is the league game at home to Hull – here’s to some Reading goals! </p>
<p id="CKV7RN"><em><strong>Reading</strong></em><em>: Jaakkola, Gunter, Ilori, Moore, Obita (Blackett), Evans, Bacuna, Swift (Kelly), Beerens, Clement, Popa (Bodvarsson)</em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/20/16338072/reading-0-2-swansea-carabao-cup-match-report-madejski-stadium-september-19-2017Frankly Royal2017-09-19T21:55:07+01:002017-09-19T21:55:07+01:00Reading 0-2 Swansea: Report In 60 Seconds
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<img alt="Reading v Swansea City - Carabao Cup Third Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6ZI84Trx35q_34cpUtzEFcY1x0M=/0x0:4284x2856/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56759057/849666092.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Carabao Cup adventure is over for another year - here’s the key details.</p> <p id="ZNsI8J">Reading’s Carabao Cup adventure came to an end against a very strong Swansea lineup at the Madejski Stadium. Former Academy scholar Alfie Mawson got the decisive goal, followed by a late Jordan Ayew strike, as Jaap Stam’s side are left to focus solely on league matters (and the EFL Trophy!!) until January at least.</p>
<p id="ZWzrDX">We’ll have a full report & ratings up later this week but for now, here’s the key bits.</p>
<p id="D2h9wZ">Stam made plenty of changes from the side that drew 1-1 at Brentford on Saturday. Notably, both John Swift and Jordan Obita were handed starts, as both continue to recover from injury. </p>
<p id="gZ9kwx">Meanwhile, Swansea had a near full strength side on display, including Renato Sanches and Wilfried Bony in the starting XI.</p>
<p id="nKtLri">It was a fairly quiet first-half, with neither side really giving the less than 10,000 fans inside the Mad Stad much to get excited about. Leandro Bacuna did a good job of keeping Sanches quiet, while Anssi Jaakkola pulled off a fine save to deny Luciano Narsingh in an otherwise fairly tame first 45.</p>
<p id="aaQ1Hh">Into the second period and Swansea soon had the advantage. Sanches found Mawson from a corner and the defender found the net from close range.</p>
<p id="L9VPEu">Reading made changes to turn the tide, with Swift and Obita both withdrawn for Blackett and Kelly, while Jon Dadi Bodvarsson replaced Adrian Popa, but in truth, we never looked likely to break down our Premier League visitors. </p>
<p id="ZmHffm">Swansea killed things off with ten minutes to go through Jordan Ayew, although the Welsh side had a huge slice of luck as the ball hit the referee to set up the Swansea attack. Even so, the win was no less than the 2013 League Cup winners deserved. </p>
<p id="tPsihH">To take a positive, Stam will have been pleased with the way we kept a strong side in check for 50-odd minutes, yet the big worry about a lack of goal scoring talent has only grown bigger this evening. It’s now three games since we scored a goal in open play and tonight’s forward trio of Roy Beerens, Pelle Clement and Adrian Popa barely put a dent in the Swansea backline. Six shots on the night and only four with the game in the balance just isn’t good enough.</p>
<p id="Kng9UT">The Reading boss has another three days to get his team ready, as Hull make their way to the Mad Stad on Saturday in the Championship.</p>
<p id="cuG0ei"><em><strong>Reading</strong></em><em>: Jaakkola, Gunter, Ilori, Moore, Obita (Blackett), Evans, Bacuna, Swift (Kelly), Beerens, Clement, Popa (Bodvarsson)</em></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/19/16335642/reading-fc-0-2-swansea-report-in-60-seconds-carabao-cupWimb2017-09-19T17:46:15+01:002017-09-19T17:46:15+01:00Three To Watch: Swansea (H) Carabao Cup
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<img alt="Swansea City v Newcastle United - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dyoUEqHtxbGj5aHUifJ-1Rws2Gg=/0x0:1806x1204/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56753143/845554762.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Who should Reading fans be looking out for tonight? </p> <h1 id="d3XrqA"><strong>Alfie Mawson </strong></h1>
<p id="3wPHfu">Alfie Mawson completed a transfer from Barnsley last summer and has not looked backed since making his Premier League debut against Watford last season. </p>
<p id="IGhgmX">Having managed to keep a clean-sheet on his debut. The centre-back went on to make 27 appearances scoring four goals, helping his side avoid relegation. </p>
<p id="NVqnCX">He also managed to average one tackle and 1.1 interceptions per game, which perhaps showed he wasn't quite ready for the Premier League. </p>
<p id="dFFEh3">However, Mawson’s performances for England at this summers Under 21 European Championships were nothing short of sensational, helping his country to the semi--finals of the tournament. </p>
<p id="GytAIu">What’s even more remarkable though is that Swansea paid just £5 million for his services, a bargain compared to what clubs charge for their players in the current transfer market. </p>
<p id="dRAWqm">Additionally, according to Squawka, Mawson won 63% of his duels last season meaning a fascinating aerial battle could be in store between himself and Jón Dadi Bödvarsson. </p>
<h1 id="yzGQCe">Renato Sanches </h1>
<p id="juYNvb">The Portuguese international is the new signing at Swansea having signed on loan from German Champions Bayern Munich in the summer. </p>
<p id="ZpMOP6">Playing as a defensive midfielder, Sanches has been tipped to be a future star of world football. With the 20 year old being known for his aggressive style of play and being able to carry the ball from one end of the pitch to another in the blink of an eye with his pace and his technique. </p>
<p id="waRhko">However, Sanches hasn't quite kick started his career at Bayern Munich since completing his £35 million move from Benfica in July 2016. </p>
<p id="FbxGda">Last season, the talented youngster made a total of 25 appearances in all competitions, making an average of 0.5 tackles per game and 0.6 interceptions per game. </p>
<p id="dTkgEi">Secondly, with a passing accuracy of 88% during his time at Bayern Munich last season. The likes of Joey Van Den Berg will need to make sure that Sanches doesn't start pulling the strings in his sides favour. </p>
<div id="3spNSU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/__4TWTZPQnM?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="ngsxMr">Tammy Abraham </h1>
<p id="uPrHva">The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Tammy Abraham. </p>
<p id="jPR0nv">Abraham should be a familiar name to Reading fans, having scored twice against the Royals in the thrilling 3-2 win over Bristol City at Aston Gate in the last campaign. </p>
<p id="HzcSPZ">Last season, Abraham scored 26 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions finishing behind the likes of Glenn Murray and Chris Wood in the goal-scoring charts. That’s despite having a shooting accuracy of 45%. </p>
<p id="5fwK3U">The striker has made a decent start to life at Swansea having scored two goals in six appearances in all competitions so far this season. </p>
<p id="3D54xN">Abraham is a real fox in the box, a centre-forward that punish any defence if given the time and space.</p>
<p id="V5ogdb">If Reading are to progress in the cup the Royals defence will need close down Abraham and stop him from getting shots away on Vito Mannone’s goal. </p>
<div id="2Kw3EF"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zm0gFE4f_EA?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/19/16325152/three-to-watch-swansea-carabao-cup-madjeski-stadiumjacks19962017-09-19T15:26:05+01:002017-09-19T15:26:05+01:00The View From Swansea Fans
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<img alt="Swansea City v Sunderland - Premier League" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PxLj4Kcfr46RZEt6-WbYIVbyNjA=/0x49:5494x3712/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56749643/628919780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Modou Barrow in Action for Swansea in 2016 | Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Will gives us some views from South Wales.</p> <p id="RiqN9P">Reading have quite an eventful history against Swansea, all beginning with the infamous 2010/11 play-off final, we all remember it, though none of us want to. I myself have a personal link with Swansea as I live very close to the city in South Wales. Being surrounded by mostly Swansea fans for most of my life, you can imagine my agony after that Wembley defeat. </p>
<p id="0SsQKx">So when we won promotion the season after, I, and most Royals fans, were hoping for some revenge, which didn't come. We didn't lose to them again however, playing out a 2-2 and a 0-0 draw. Since then the only time we have faced the Swans has been in pre-season games as we are only a straight drive down the M4 from them. Now that the Carabao Cup third round draw has pitted us against the South Wales side, I have been fairly excited, especially since it is a home tie in favour of the Royals. After the draw was announced I spoke to a few of my Swansea fan friends to ask how they felt about the match.</p>
<h3 id="aQ0S9P">Lack Of Goals Frustrating Fans</h3>
<p id="sStvCs">Swansea's start to the Premier League season hasn't been a bad one, but it also hasn't been a brilliant one. The Swans have picked up five points from five games, however they have only managed to score in one of those five, earning a 2-0 over the shoddy Crystal Palace. So their attack is not their strong suit so far. </p>
<p id="fyp6dh">That is not to say, however, that there is not potential in their attack, the loan signing of Chelsea and England youngster Tammy Abraham looked to be a steal as the 19-year-old striker bagged 23 goals in 41 appearances for Bristol City last season, two of which came against Reading. But Abraham has only managed to score once for Swansea so far this season. </p>
<p id="8NhBrA">Also, a big signing was the deadline day deal for their former man Wilfried Bony, who had a very successful spell with the Swans from 2013-15 before moving to Manchester City, where the Ivory Coast international failed to have any impact. With those two signings plus the loan deal for Renato Sanches from Bayern Munich, who is yet to find his feet in the Premier League, Swansea fans had high hopes going into the season. That was despite the losses of top scorer Fernando Llorente and star man Gylfi Sigurdsson. However the lack of goals this season has frustrated many fans, with the side yet to score a goal at the Liberty Stadium.</p>
<p id="exft5R">Many of the fans I spoke to chalked this up to a tough run of games to start the season, with Swansea travelling to Southampton and Spurs while welcoming Manchester United and Newcastle to the Liberty. One fan in particular noted that the resilient defensive performance against Tottenham at Wembley on the weekend should be how Paul Clement's side go into every match against a top side, while attacking the weaker teams as they did at Selhurst Park. The one outlier of this however was the 1-0 home defeat against Premier League newcomers Newcastle. </p>
<p id="0Z4QFt">Swansea failed to dominate most of the match as Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles snatched the win with 15 minutes to go. One weakness Newcastle exploited at the Liberty was Swansea's switch to zonal marking at corner kicks. Zonal marking is known to be very difficult tactic for defenders to adapt to, with top teams such as Liverpool failing to solidify the tactic. </p>
<p id="arKybB">One similar theme among many of the fans I spoke to is that they are all well aware of the danger Reading pose. Reading lost their first home game since January two weeks ago against Bristol City, with the Royals having the majority of the chances but failing to convert, a very similar theme to Swansea's season. There is little doubt that Swansea will be the more attacking team when the two meet, but with the pace in Jaap Stam's side, there will more than likely be plenty of threat from Reading on the counter attack. </p>
<p id="Eyvw7F">One Reading player with plenty of pace is one Modou Barrow, who Reading signed from the Welsh side in the summer. Barrow's place in the team is a doubt however, with the winger being absent from the side which faced Brentford on the weekend. But needless to say if the Gambian does start, he will be itching to prove a point against his old side who sent him out on loan numerous times before he arrived at the Madejski. Swans fans will be well aware of everything about Mo Barrow, seeing his blistering pace in each game when he started in the Premier League. One part of me, as I would imagine resides in many Reading fans, would have loved it if Swansea hadn’t sold Gylfi Sigurdsson, a return to the Madejski for him would have been great to see with most, if not all Royals still holding the Icelandic magician in high regard. </p>
<h3 id="A71e42">Swans Fans Want Change</h3>
<p id="mJkfmX">The bottom line for many Swansea fans is that they will be expecting a solid performance, but more than anything else they want to see goals, and playing against a Championship side in the Carabao Cup sounds like the perfect opportunity for that. However they are well aware that Reading are not the easiest Championship side to score against, especially at the Madjeski. They are hoping to see a varied starting XI to the ones seen this season, with £11 million signing Roque Mesa hoping for his third Swansea start, along with goalkeeper Nordfeldt and Bony will also be hoping for his first piece of real action since their arrivals.</p>
<p id="h6YpA3">So, we have two teams both lacking goals and proving to be solid at preventing goals, it seems as though this one might be destined for 0-0 after 90 minutes, but who knows? Maybe we could see a Modou Barrow masterclass against his former side, or perhaps Tammy Abraham will prove that Championship sides are his expertise.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/19/16328564/swansea-city-reading-fc-carabao-carling-worthingtons-cupWillRFC2017-09-19T14:04:39+01:002017-09-19T14:04:39+01:00Preview: Reading vs Swansea (Carabao Cup)
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<img alt="Reading v Swansea CIty" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9NDRvf48gveqhf7Dvy5HmPS6RN0=/0x0:3208x2139/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56748395/95476012.1505826279.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jed Leicester/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Royals take on the Swans under the Madejski Stadium floodlights in the 3rd Round of The Carabao Cup.</p> <p id="XABiQX">After rescuing a point against Brentford this weekend, Reading now face up a big task of playing Premier League Swansea City for a place in the next round of the Caraboa Cup (a.k.a League Cup) Both sides are experiencing mixed starts to their season and will hope that a victory tonight will spur a change of results in their respected leagues.</p>
<h1 id="5ziPM5">Reading WDWLD form (all competitions)-</h1>
<p id="kFL9Sv">Despite that labouring draw against Brentford ,the main positive for Reading is injuries are subsiding with Obita being the latest to return to first team action. Tonight’s team could well be a mix of Jaap’s trusted youngsters from the early rounds but with first team players like Popa and Clement pushing for more game time. However Stam could throw a curve ball and name the same squad as last weekend to ensure that Reading remain in the cup for as a long as possible. </p>
<h1 id="17TPrY">Top Goal Scorer: Liam Kelly- 4 (all comps) </h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Wigan Athletic - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/z8q0pksjoPxrzeVBMOVeYoa0xok=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9278141/674838144.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</cite>
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<h1 id="zrZAKE"> Swansea City LWWLD (all competitions)-</h1>
<p id="sadUJt">The main talk tonight will be the return of Wilfred Bony who is bookies favourite to start. The Ivorian will hope to put his Manchester City and Stoke nightmare behind him and regain his once deadly prowess when he first arrived for the Swan’s. Swansea are slowly adjusting to life without ex Reading hero Gylfi Sigurdsson with them currently sitting 14<sup>th</sup> in the Premier League. But their recent draw with Tottenham is certainly showing promising signs </p>
<h1 id="syNGXx">Top Goal Scorer(s)- Tammy Abraham , Jordan Ayew, Leroy Fer -2 (all comps) </h1>
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<img alt="Swansea City v Newcastle United - Premier League" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bUXQxBu7dxkil2H2pny0hJzvAjM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9278151/845349012.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images</cite>
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<h1 id="SyrVBs">What do the stats say?</h1>
<ul>
<li id="wnVNar">Reading have beaten Swansea in the three League Cup ties they have played against each other</li>
<li id="m69MQm">Swansea have won 13 of their last 16 League Cup contest against lower league opponents</li>
<li id="08ZM7j">The Royals have only beaten Premier League opposition in one of their past 10 League Cup matches. The Last result was a 3-2 victory against QPR in September 2012.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="srLtkD">Head to Head Since 1921 (Source 11v11)</h1>
<h1 id="8AGl5K">Reading 33</h1>
<p id="hwfOg4">Draw 14</p>
<h3 id="7Zv6er">Swansea 29</h3>
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<h1 id="iXHRQp">Classic Meeting: Swansea 4 Reading 2- 30 May 2011- Wembley Stadium </h1>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Swansea City - npower Championship Playoff Final" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vOvj59Alee61yFwfXxVLKDOE4nc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9278165/114937603.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="nhA7q7">I regret putting this match in as it brings back terrible memories and it is the one game I refuse to watch back! Reading were simply terrorised by a Scott Sinclair man of the match performance to brutally crush our amazing end of run to the season. This game had everything - Brenden Rodgers return, Red card drama with Jay Tabb being sent off at half time, and of course late goals to bring glimmers of hope!</p>
<p id="5u26w1">Reading fought back from 3-0 down with Matt Mill and Noel Hunt bringing the game to a interesting 3-2. Jem Karacan had a shot from distance that hit the post which every fan prayed would go in. But a late Sinclair ended the Wembley dream and Swansea would go on to progress and remain in the Premier League Reading would use this defeat to take the Championship by storm the following year and meet Swansea back in the Premier League. </p>
<h1 id="j4E3Gh">Prediction </h1>
<p id="cV8wA8">Neither side wants to bow out tonight but with the long season ahead it could be a blessing in disguise so they can focus on their league goals. If Swansea put out a team similar to the Tottenham game then Reading are going to struggle to the quality they possess. However Reading do love a cup run so expect a good contest tonight as I'm sure in front of the home ground the boys will deliver! But on paper I have to give Swansea the edge which i would like to be proved wrong!</p>
<h1 id="sEl8C7">Swansea 2 Reading 1 </h1>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/19/16332312/preview-reading-vs-swansea-carabao-cupCJ_Ballard7