The Tilehurst End - Swansea City 1-1 Reading: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2019-09-30T13:00:48+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/206535592019-09-30T13:00:48+01:002019-09-30T13:00:48+01:00The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 204: Never Leave Early
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<p>Two 1-1 draws were rescued at the death as the Royals began to turn around their rough run of form</p> <div id="YmmzUX"><iframe title="The Tilehurst End Podcast Episode 204: Never Leave Early" height="122" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/fqkgt-c17566?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&skin=3&btn-skin=101&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>
<p id="8Uoz5g">Lucas Boye and Andy Yiadom provided two revitalising goals that ended Reading FC’s dodgy September on a high note. <em>The Tilehurst End Podcast</em> is back to review a duo of 1-1 draws that boosted morale, even if the club still exited the League Cup and remained near the bottom of the Championship.</p>
<p id="9Krfsx">Marc Mayo and Olly Allen deliver their verdicts on George Puscas, Joao Virginia and the 3-5-2 formation in Recap, answer your question(s) in the Mailbag, run through the rest of the club’s sides in Newsbites, and look ahead to another pair of tricky games in Big Game Preview.</p>
<p id="X4Lji9">The Tilehurst End Podcast can be taken in via <a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/"><strong>PodBean</strong></a>, Acast, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQZnCxP2bn6zlQS5zJOcA"><strong>YouTube </strong></a>or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Ftilehurst-end-reading-fc-podcast%2Fid683251263%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>iTunes</strong></a>. Furthermore, thanks to all listeners who continue to pledge to our <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>Patreon </strong></a>campaign.</p>
<p id="liKyUz">Listeners can always get in touch with the podcast via our Twitter and Facebook pages as well as our email, thetilehurstend@gmail.com, with thoughts on the show, opinions on the team, and potential topics to sink our teeth into always welcome.</p>
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<p id="09Cl8w"><a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/play/x3u7u3/Episode_204.mp3"><strong>Download the show here</strong></a>.</p>
<h2 id="1CSKLd">Show Order</h2>
<p id="lIQhFH">Recap -<strong> 03:01</strong></p>
<p id="ycV0Hb">Mailbag - <strong>34:25</strong></p>
<p id="AaSdlg">Newsbites -<strong> 42:28</strong></p>
<p id="L7uzAQ">Big Game Preview - <strong>46:31</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/30/20891034/reading-fc-podcast-the-tilehurst-end-204-swansea-wolvesMarc MayoOlly_Allen2019-09-30T10:00:00+01:002019-09-30T10:00:00+01:00Swansea City 1-1 Reading: The Alternative View
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<p>The Swans’ fanbase were frustrated by missing their chance to go top of the table. </p> <p id="KNWbXA">Reading made the journey to Wales on the back of some indifferent form - on the face of it the league form you would be questioning, and with a cup exit to boot, this time last season we would have been firmly been in crisis mode. This season though, patience has to be the key, and although there have been dissenting voices on Twitter, these probably have been in the minority so far.</p>
<p id="pKdEiT">A trip to Swansea City is never easy and the Swans have been in decent form this season, sitting a comfortable second in the league, so even the most optimistic Royals fan would have been hard-pushed to predict anything but a Swans win. However, like a number of games this season, the phrases that sum Reading up nicely are could’ve and should’ve.</p>
<p id="wQlvKh">This isn’t lost on the Swans faithful and they are not overly happy with the team selection and performance of their side, and of course it wouldn’t be football if there wasn’t a refereeing controversy.</p>
<h2 id="PnrLhb"><strong>Social</strong></h2>
<h3 id="kh3nR1"><strong>Fair result but disappointed?</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Swansea 1 Reading 1 <br><br>Feel disappointed we didn't win this <br><br>Thought it was a fair result in the end tho <br><br>We played well first half & should have scored more but our performance levels dropped during the second half & Reading deserved a share of the points <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWAvREA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWAvREA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a> ⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/3IxYRQZLME">pic.twitter.com/3IxYRQZLME</a></p>— Paul (@IceWithNoLemon) <a href="https://twitter.com/IceWithNoLemon/status/1177998759260835841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="cpGCkU"><strong>Second in the league – so much to cry about</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So many things wrong with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a> today. A good first 10 minutes but everything negative from then on. Reading will feel disappointed with only a point. Once Borja went off there was nothing. Celina is a concern.</p>— Mark Craven (@crazycraven) <a href="https://twitter.com/crazycraven/status/1177978240461393923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="ULLhnK"><strong>Want to see the ones we have had this season?!</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FT Swansea City 1-1 Reading & the Bent Cheating Referee bloody crap<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a></p>— Terry Begley BSC (@TBegleyBSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBegleyBSC/status/1177976846970867713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="xZS72s"><strong>Wow…</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simply not good enough I’m afraid. That second half was absolutely shocking and we got what we deserved. Roberts’ and Ayew’s attitudes absolutely stink, walking straight down the tunnel without any thanks for the fans isn’t on. We weren’t good enough for the 3 points. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a></p>— Rhys (@SCFC_Rhys) <a href="https://twitter.com/SCFC_Rhys/status/1177976144928399360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="dhJWFJ"><strong>You wanna see some of the decisions at Reading this season!</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thought the referee Keith Stroud was a disgrace today. The Lucas Boye pulling back Matt Grimes incident is a yellow card in every game you will watch this season, one of the worst decisions I have ever seen. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a></p>— Ross (@rosspow10) <a href="https://twitter.com/rosspow10/status/1178020277692850181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="lQrAox"><strong>But fans always overreact!</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Overreaction to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a> result today on twitter is disappointing. I think we need to back Cooper solving the puzzle of square pegs in round holes, and it's worth noting Petterson or Routs not on bench either, so depth is emerging. Thought Reading deserved a point. We go again Wed.</p>— fash1982 (@shawsonbourg82) <a href="https://twitter.com/shawsonbourg82/status/1178013811565039616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="EYanMN"><strong>Fans now reaching for the record books to see if this is the same at our clubs!</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Small observation from today and against Forest, but arguably an important one. Does anyone know the last time we won at the Liberty shooting towards the North stand in the second half? Was it Burnley in March 2017? Doesn’t happen often. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#swans</a></p>— Ben Donovan (@_BenDonovan) <a href="https://twitter.com/_BenDonovan/status/1177993997337481224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="1rLoj8"><strong>Points make prizes</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two supporters lamenting the late goal but agreeing the 'important thing is that we played well'. Never have I heard anything so stupid in my life. Those two points are the difference between 1st & 2nd tonight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SWAvREA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SWAvREA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thethingspeoplesay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Thethingspeoplesay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stupid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stupid</a></p>— Julie Kissick (@SwanseaJackgirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/SwanseaJackgirl/status/1177979646102708234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="tzkdf7"><strong>Story of our last four seasons</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Completely different side 2nd half. Didn’t look like we wanted it at all. Worrying that we aren’t creating enough chances. Really really disappointing result <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a></p>— David (@Swans_Dave) <a href="https://twitter.com/Swans_Dave/status/1177978763348459521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h3 id="XHnS8q"><strong>Bang average but second…</strong></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#swans</a> bang average, take the point. Build from this result, gotta take this good performances and turn them into wins</p>— Ben Turner (@benturrrner) <a href="https://twitter.com/benturrrner/status/1177976744118280194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="kJ33BR"><strong>Media</strong></h2>
<p id="lMBDMP">Surprisingly, given Swansea’s position in the league, I would have expected more coverage on the game than there was. Still, most of it resolves around Steve Cooper’s annoyance that the referee didn’t send Lucas Boye off, which is picked up by most of the outlets. </p>
<p id="bthS3R">Starting with <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/swansea-vs-reading/409455">Sky Sports</a>, they have the usual report with stats and the nice player list with formations etc. Their 1m55s of video highlights are basically a lesson from both sides in how not to finish.</p>
<p id="cagEv1"><a href="https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-reading-championship-report-draw-16997644">Wales Online</a> unsurprisingly make a big deal of the lack of a red card for Boye, and also say that George Puscas looked lively and call this a well-earned point for Reading. They run a <a href="https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/swansea-citys-steve-cooper-left-16999540">report here</a> on how Cooper had a moan at the ref at half time and how Keith Stroud had let himself down.</p>
<p id="MeBpE6">Fancy a bit of Puscas bashing? Then head over to <a href="https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/doesnt-look-interested-plenty-of-reading-fans-react-to-forwards-performance-at-swansea/">Football League World</a> who run an article around how Puscas doesn’t look interested. My take on this is that it’s lazy reporting and pretty much a something-and-nothing piece.</p>
<p id="eFAM4p">Finally, down at <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-player-ratings-yiadom-puscas-16998414">Berkshire Live/GetReading</a>, Jonathan Low’s ratings are a little eye-opening. I did tweet earlier in the season that his ratings are a little low for me, and so getting a 1-1 away at a top-of-the-table team, with half of the scores a 4 or a 5, is a little surprising. I wasn’t at the game but a 3 for Puscas is truly a horrible mark and one that’s probably harsh.</p>
<aside id="CsAb28"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Swansea City 1-1 Reading: Player Ratings","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/29/20889474/swansea-city-1-1-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-swans"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="C1Knnw"><strong>Final thoughts</strong></h2>
<p id="ZiwHne">Reading have another tricky game on Tuesday when we welcome Fulham, who have found the transition back to the Championship a little more challenging than they would have thought. They’ve become the draw kings over the last few games.</p>
<p id="H3U9wn">This season has been another one where it’s been extremely frustrating to be a Reading supporter. Interestingly though for the last few years we have acknowledged that the team just isn’t strong enough, but this season it’s more about gelling and taking our chances. Same outcome just different causes. </p>
<p id="0PUS2C">There is no doubt that if this team clicks we could have something. Saying that, I have been waiting for a Reading team to click for four years. We know what the issues are: mainly Puscas needs to get some confidence, the new players must settle and a bit of form discovered. Once these happen then mid-table obscurity should be easily achieved.</p>
<p id="f3Lb6x">Fans are allowed to vent and will do on any platform they can. I do feel though that a healthy dose of realism is needed and calls to change manager, players etc are a little premature and frankly ludicrous.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/30/20890001/swansea-city-1-1-reading-fc-royals-the-alternative-view-swansdavemc_exile2019-09-30T08:00:00+01:002019-09-30T08:00:00+01:00Tactics Review: Reading Secure Point At Swansea
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<img alt="Swansea City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IsNjfcuwWttbBMHBFlgDCt4NU8Y=/0x0:3581x2387/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65353621/1171707759.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A closer look at how the 1-1 draw in South Wales unfolded. </p> <p id="OAMbaE">Reading travelled to the Liberty Stadium on a three-game losing run and came up against a Swansea City side sitting in third place in the table (due to Nottingham Forest’s Friday night win). The Royals lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Tyler Blackett coming into central defence alongside Michael Morrison and Liam Moore, Jordan Obita retaining his place at left wing-back, Andy Rinomhota being recalled in place of Pele and sitting just in front of the defence, with Lucas Boye partnering George Puscas up front.</p>
<p id="2kDWGG">Reading got off to the worst possible start as a whipped-in Andre Ayew cross was headed in by Borja Baston inside three minutes. Swansea were having far too much freedom down Reading’s left as Connor Roberts and Andre Ayew were doubling up on Obita, causing Blackett to shift over out wide to face up Ayew when Obita came out to Roberts. Ayew had an impressive showing on the right in the first half, delivering in a few dangerous crosses, but Moore and Morrison really should’ve dealt with the cross that lead to the goal; Baston powering in a free header he simply couldn’t miss.</p>
<p id="D7hlmO">Swansea put much more pressure on the defence and Rafael in goal than Reading were at the other end of the pitch, with no one really showing for the ball in midfield. Rinomhota made a few good tackles but Swansea were far too dominant in the middle of the park. When the Royals did manage to attack, a lack of support scuppered some good moves down the right hand side - Boye particularly impressive at winning the ball back, linking up with Andy Yiadom, and putting some dangerous crosses in for Puscas. </p>
<p id="68nMRB">While Boye was the best Royals player on the pitch in the first half, Puscas had a 90 minutes to forget. Not only did he break down a good move that Boye had started off with an over-hit lay-off to Swift, gifting the ball back to the home side, but he missed yet another sitter as he skied a shot from six yards out from a short corner move involving Swift and Obita. Reading managed to thread a few balls through Swansea’s defence to him and cause them problems from crosses but didn’t really have any meaningful attempts on goal - Puscas trying to overdo everything that came his way.</p>
<p id="f4kD8U">Reading looked far more effective attacking down the right hand side than left due to Boye being a natural winger, Obita not receiving enough support down the left, while, with Puscas central, Obita only had Ejaria for support and no one to overlap. When Swift came over to help out, it left the right side isolated, and Reading were caught with Swift and Ejaria on the same side of the pitch a few times when Swansea regained possession. When those two link up together Reading can be at their best, but if caught out on the same flank after a turnover, it can lead to an imbalanced midfield for the opposition to exploit. </p>
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<cite>Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="POJfUP">Off the ball, some half-hearted pressing from the forward players meant Swansea were able to knock the ball around with ease, play through the Royals ranks and switch the play whenever they wanted to, leaving Boye and Puscas chasing shadows. Despite Boye’s impressive showing on Saturday afternoon, his tenacity to win the ball back resulted in him committing numerous cynical fouls, and he was lucky not to be sent off for a second yellow just before half time.</p>
<p id="gmrBlk">A forced tactical change from Gomes led to a more even end to the first half. Tyler Blackett eventually succumbed to injury with not Tom McIntyre, but Lucas Joao, replacing him and playing behind Puscas. With Boye on the right and Ejaria drifting between the centre of the pitch and the left, Reading made more use of their wide areas but still seemed to struggle on the left wing a bit, with Boye much more suited to drifting out wide and linking up with the full-back than Ejaria.</p>
<p id="87S5u3">Reading came out for the second half a much-improved side. Gomes made his second change of the game as Josh Barrett replaced Boye. As well as this, Gomes had seemed to give his players a rollicking as the Royals came out pressing high, not giving Swansea any time on the ball. There was a slight tactical reshuffle which again worked out well for the away side - Gomes addressing the issue of width high up the pitch with Josh Barrett playing on the left hand side and Ejaria drifting between right central midfield and the right flank. </p>
<p id="zqcKqQ">These two were key for Reading’s press as they got themselves high up the pitch and hassled and harried the defenders with Puscas and Joao both able to have central roles to put pressure on the centre backs and goalkeeper. Barrett was very impressive and will be pushing for a start as the busy schedule continues this week, cutting on to his right to either fire a few shots at goal or put in some dangerous crosses. </p>
<p id="WzMVyu">Ejaria on the other hand came out with far more energy and purpose after a disappointing and lethargic first half. Swift and Rinomhota played deeper and more centrally, dropping off to give the central defenders options when playing out from the back. </p>
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<img alt="Wolverhampton Wanderers v Reading - Carabao Cup - Third Round - Molineux" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MsoTie1rnQAs_tq3ffey99zTCLw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19243682/1171084851.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Nick Potts/PA Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="IHGF6o">Swift in particular excelled as his tireless will to carry the ball forwards and find a man, or switch the play when needed with his inch-perfect crossfield balls, gave Reading a sense of authority on the ball. This 4-3-3 (4-2-2-2 when Joao pushed forwards) worked very well for Reading - and, coupled with renewed energy and fight, seemingly made the visitors more balanced at the top end of the pitch.</p>
<p id="UXsF2K">Reading had found a new sense of calmness and assurance in possession, able to knock the ball around nicely, and we became the team that would keep hold of the ball for long periods of time. As the game wore on this began to frustrate the away fans as, despite having more shots on goal, Reading were not able to break through Swansea’s defence as much as in the first half. </p>
<p id="vuinxi">The only real chance of note for the Royals came from Ejaria weaving through the Swansea defence before having a shot pushed away at the near post by Freddie Woodman, while the home side did not threaten much. Their main chances came from cutbacks that were either blocked or fired well wide, with Rafael comfortably gathering everything else that came his way.</p>
<p id="JoZRpr">Into the last 10 minutes and Jose Gomes eventually substituted Obita for Omar Richards, the left back tiring as the half wore on. A fresh pair of legs helped Reading get forwards more often, with Richards, Barrett, Joao, Swift and Ejaria being involved in various attacks that fizzled out with patient passing across the pitch and backwards to the defenders, the Reading waves looking for a way through Swansea’s rearguard.</p>
<p id="9YJdE3">In the 89th minute of the game, Reading finally got the goal they were pushing for as a nice one-two involving Joao and Swift ended in a Yiadom bullet into the far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.</p>
<p id="4zcKhe">Both sides looked for the winner in the three minutes of stoppage time, but a tired Reading side mainly had to stand firm as the closest either side came to the three points was a tame header from a late Swansea free kick. The Royals managed to get the ball forwards on a few occasions but, with tiring bodies and little time remaining, couldn’t get the ball near the Swans’ box. </p>
<p id="fTkFkb">Still, Reading will be pleased after taking a hard earned point back to the Madejski Stadium to build on ahead of the visit of Fulham on Tuesday night, and will be looking to kick on after arresting their run of defeats. As the gaffer and the rest of the squad reiterated, if performances like this continue, the results will come.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/30/20890228/tactics-review-reading-fc-royals-secure-point-at-swansea-city-liberty-stadiumjamiewykes2019-09-30T07:00:00+01:002019-09-30T07:00:00+01:00Swansea City Fans Verdict: Royals Battle To Gain A Point
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<p>How the fans reacted to some of the key talking points from a good point away to high-flying Swansea City on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p id="i0wrZQ">Jose Gomes’ men came into the game against Swansea City off the back of a sensational last-minute equaliser against Wolves in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night - but also without a point in the league since the end of August.</p>
<p id="zfw5hB">Swansea, on the other hand, had started the season in top form, and they showed that when they went 1-0 up within the opening three minutes as Borja Baston glanced a header in the bottom corner.</p>
<p id="eDxTTD">The returning Tyler Blackett went off injured midway through the first half and - just like against Wolves in midweek - Reading’s performance began to pick up as Gomes switched to four at the back.</p>
<p id="Z4zfgg">The Royals dominated most of the second half and were rewarded for that as Andy Yiadom smashed home another last minute equaliser - causing some incredible scenes in the away end for the second game running. Here’s how the fans reacted to some of the key talking points...</p>
<h2 id="JR6QE7"><strong>George Puscas</strong></h2>
<p id="YoUkDF">It was yet another bad day in front of goal for Reading’s record signing, which left the fans getting increasingly frustrated with the form of the Romanian international. </p>
<p id="NJehdU">With a record fee comes a lot of expectation - but Puscas still needs time to settle, and he will start scoring goals sooner rather than later. He’s too good not to. However, he was guilty of missing a huge chance to equalise in the first half - and that miss seemed to dent his overall play in the first half too.</p>
<p id="Xtzt7x">In the second half, like the rest of his teammates, he did grow into the game - and held the ball up very well, showing off his incredible strength on the ball. But, at the end of the day, you pay the big bucks for strikers to score goals. Here’s what the fans had to say about the striker’s performance...</p>
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<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Drop puscas <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Louie Mitchell (@louiemitch4) <a href="https://twitter.com/louiemitch4/status/1177978465955528706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">George puscas:<br>Missing too many chances every game and it is EVERY GAME.I love him, who doesn’t but yaks or even baldock need to have a start because they wouldn’t miss chances like this.Until he gets his confidence back it’s not looking good.someone had to say it ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— ReadingfcDaily (@DailyReadingfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/DailyReadingfc/status/1178210649010266112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Puscas is an odd one. Obviously got a bit about him, but vydra would've scored a few of these at his worst. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a></p>— Will Trow (@noseypeg) <a href="https://twitter.com/noseypeg/status/1177950064339292160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Puscas is having an absolute mare <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Dominic (@domwindle) <a href="https://twitter.com/domwindle/status/1177956424917422087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Puscas is having an awful game keeps giving the ball away <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Jack (@thesimpsonRFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/thesimpsonRFC/status/1177956556039696384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Puscas and missing simple chances. Name a more iconic duo. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Matthew Williamson (@Photomattic) <a href="https://twitter.com/Photomattic/status/1177958138877812736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The hate George puscas is getting is quite frankly embarrassing . Yes he’s missed a few chances but name me a striker who doesn’t miss? If he was a free everyone would say well that’s what you get when you don’t spend money <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Dean Bennett (@DeanBennett1993) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanBennett1993/status/1178239784021610496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="EeyTSn"><strong>The performance</strong></h2>
<p id="Poqk4u">It was a performance from Reading, overall, that I thought was pretty solid - especially in the second half. Yes, we were shaky in the beginning and could hardly string two passes together for the first 30 minutes but as soon as we switched to four at the back, I thought we looked pretty good.</p>
<p id="tBZWxF">However, some Reading fans saw it differently as it turned out to be a performance that split the opinion of the Loyal Royals. Some fans were left frustrated and upset at the overall performance, some were encouraged from it - proving, again, that football is a game of opinions.</p>
<p id="56DE8w">Here’s a pick of those opinions from Twitter regarding the performance of Gomes’ team against high flying Swansea...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why on earth did <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swans</a> stop pressuring us and sit back? Tiredness or poor management? Either way they were hugely on top and we were woeful until the change <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a></p>— Jimbo (@JamesmN97) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesmN97/status/1177982626109546497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well...not sure how, but we've come away with a very credible point against a good side there. Although 2nd half we controlled the possession much better we still looked a bit lost in the final 3rd. But we've got to take some confidence from that and try to build on it <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Tom Maynard (@ttmaynard) <a href="https://twitter.com/ttmaynard/status/1177978884618424320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A good point at a place we have found tough in recent years. <br>❌ Frustrating with another poor start. ✅ But battled right to the end and never gave up. Just need to come out with the right intensity from the start. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Steven Kemp (@kempy26783) <a href="https://twitter.com/kempy26783/status/1178032387961298945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good away point and good fighting spirit, hopefully this can be the turning point in our season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Harrison Mitchell (@harrison1871rfc) <a href="https://twitter.com/harrison1871rfc/status/1177977512925655042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">One - one. Perhaps not the greatest performance but I actually don't care, and I'll happily take the draw. On to Tuesday now, with hopefully renewed confidence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Karz From The 'Ding ☕ (@FFSKarz) <a href="https://twitter.com/FFSKarz/status/1177975280872427520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's not let the last minute goal distract from the fact that Swansea were crap and that was almost worse than the performance against Blackburn. <br><br>Good point but Fulham won't let us get away with this. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Joseph luckett (@Josephluckett6) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josephluckett6/status/1177976682302595073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A point at high flying Swansea is probably the best <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> could have hoped for and it was a better 2nd half performance. They didn't give up. Will Royals win on Tuesday night at home to Fulham? <a href="https://twitter.com/willow1871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@willow1871</a></p>— Sir Dodger Royal (@SirDodgerRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirDodgerRoyal/status/1177975210978480128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looked far more cohesive in the second half without enough penetration. Great play from Joao for the goal. We need to see more of that from him. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— jordanOliver (@JordanWindle) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanWindle/status/1177975615984738304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="YWFfFA"><strong>Last-minute scenes</strong></h2>
<p id="VxNf38">For the second game in a row, the Reading away end was sent into pandemonium as Reading were rewarded from a strong second half showing with a last gasp equaliser - via the ever-reliable Andy Yiadom.</p>
<p id="g9ctrc">It was a fantastic strike from the Ghana international, who has become a fans’ favourite since he signed from Barnsley in the summer of 2018 - as shown by some of the tweets after the game on Saturday.</p>
<p id="ttuVkn">It was a goal that Reading deserved, and should fill the players with confidence heading into a very tough game on Tuesday. The fans certainly enjoyed it, and quite rightly so as the Liberty Stadium is no easy place to go and get anything. The fans took that joy onto Twitter after the game...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Had to be Andy Yiadom. Best <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReadingFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReadingFC</a> player on the day by far.<br><br>Whatever your complaints, don't lose sight of the important bit: That's a fantastic point.<br><br>And two games in a row drawn even from losing position. (Improvement!) <a href="https://t.co/38UtDsFi1d">pic.twitter.com/38UtDsFi1d</a></p>— steven (@cabin__13) <a href="https://twitter.com/cabin__13/status/1177975649358815232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a player Andy Yiadom is. So consistent week in, week out. Can’t underestimate his importance to us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— James (@JCraggPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/JCraggPR/status/1177979916564008960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IMO Yiadom has been our best player again this season. Ejaria and Swift show signs of brilliance but Yiadom’s consistency is more impressive for me. If a few more players can get to his level of consistency then along with the flair players we will do okay <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Mark Fidgett (@MarkFidgett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkFidgett/status/1178046418692558849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's been coming! Second late equaliser in a week for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> URZ!</p>— Nat High (@nat_high) <a href="https://twitter.com/nat_high/status/1177973607030493185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">last minute equaliser will do me <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Readingfc</a></p>— l.hanton (@lhanton1) <a href="https://twitter.com/lhanton1/status/1177976102842707968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/AndyYids?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndyYids</a> I LOVE YOU! Nothing better than a 90th min equaliser against a top team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a></p>— Ollie Broad (@olliebroad19RFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/olliebroad19RFC/status/1177982772306161664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Celebrating a last minute equaliser in deepest darkest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readingfc?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readingfc</a> <a href="https://t.co/c3tTZXF3nJ">https://t.co/c3tTZXF3nJ</a></p>— BeatFulhamGameOn (@CalvinRFC1871) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalvinRFC1871/status/1178041335657455616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
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<h2 id="esKWmt"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>
<p id="Byr6Ib">A good point and performance against a very good side. It’s a performance that will fill the players with confidence going into Fulham on Tuesday night - a game which could really kickstart our season, and we more than have the ability in the squad to get a result.</p>
<p id="R3bT1u">As for Puscas - to write a 23 year-old striker off after two months playing in a league and a country he’s never played in before, is a bit silly really. He’s a very good striker, and will come good for us - I’m adamant about that.</p>
<p id="rTsNoC">URZ</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/30/20889522/swansea-fans-verdict-royals-battle-to-gain-a-point-reading-fc-swansharry.chafer2019-09-29T12:00:22+01:002019-09-29T12:00:22+01:00Swansea City 1-1 Reading: Player Ratings
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<img alt="Swansea City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9HxUguWv70-Qt25puE7H8XSQZ1A=/0x0:3180x2120/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65349556/1171836685.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Which players stood out and who had a day to forget at the Liberty Stadium?</p> <h3 id="j8OGWo"><strong>Rafael: 6 </strong></h3>
<p id="RDXvCz">Made several important saves (but not enough for a higher mark), commanded his area and had no real chance with Swansea City’s goal. </p>
<h3 id="Lv7Vh4"><strong>Jordan Obita: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="Uk06rr">Kept going manfully, got up and down the wing and was rarely beaten until his legs went slightly towards the end. However, he’s still noticeably off the pace, as is only to be expected.</p>
<h3 id="ll4EhO"><strong>Liam Moore: 6 </strong></h3>
<p id="fn42Hn">Solid performance. With the rest of the back three he managed Swansea’s attacking threat well after the first 25 minutes. Good battle against Borja Baston, but showed his class in dealing with the threat.</p>
<h3 id="9KviQj"><strong>Michael Morrison: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="6DUI6g">Like Moore, he managed Baston well. Solid in the air and clever on the ground. Needs to move the ball into midfield quicker though.</p>
<h3 id="DQ3uvu"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="eupjJJ">Hopefully not a serious injury for a player only recently back in the first team. His time on the pitch coincided with Swansea’s best period, but it wasn’t a terrible performance.</p>
<h3 id="0USSB9"><strong>Andy Yiadom: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="jeAEN3">A wonderful, placed finish under pressure. Not something many right backs could replicate. Just rewards for a tireless performance. Kept a dangerous player in Bersant Celina quiet (just about).</p>
<h3 id="dL7sBQ"><strong>Andy Rinomhota: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="P7doyb">Grew into the game somewhat after being bypassed initially. Easy to see why he was included in the team when he nicked the ball away from danger - but then easy to see why he’s been on the sidelines as he frequently ran out of ideas when carrying the ball forward.</p>
<h3 id="Lx6dVB"><strong>John Swift: 6 </strong></h3>
<p id="yyonGK">Not vintage Swift, but not the 2018/19 version that sometimes shrank in tough away games. Trusted his touch, kept passing the ball and generally made things tick. Needs to shoot more.</p>
<h3 id="mZoQ0t"><strong>Ovie Ejaria: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="whZBet">Not dissimilar from Swift. Several moments of snake-hips Ovie, slightly anonymous for other periods though. Found the constant pressure hard to escape from, but kept the ball well.</p>
<h3 id="QnOoH5"><strong>Lucas Boye: 5 </strong></h3>
<p id="T168wU">Harsh mark in some respects as he did hold the ball up really well and linked play nicely when supported. However, countless silly fouls (including a rash booking) and misplaced passes when under pressure meant his halftime withdrawal was a necessity. </p>
<h3 id="tPu20l"><strong>George Puscas: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="tfOEUi">Again, showed flashes of class in linking play and his hold-up play continues to impress. However, for a player judged on his poaching skills, missing from four yards in the centre of goal will result in an inevitable erosion of confidence</p>
<h2 id="yaOkX7"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="bVLgDA"><strong>Lucas Joao: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="sHrBIM">A strange performance from a player who’s going to seriously divide opinion. One the one hand, he held up play well, showed his pedigree, and supplied the pass for Yiadom’s goal. On the other, he needs to work harder and take more care with his final touch on occasion.</p>
<h3 id="3DaI1x"><strong>Josh Barrett: 6 </strong></h3>
<p id="yQbyLy">He looked lively, tracked back and offered a more consistent presence than Boye. Little end product but a solid half from a developing prospect.</p>
<h3 id="DZ5MCe"><strong>Omar Richards: N/A </strong></h3>
<p id="0Dw4l3">Shored things up when Obita’s legs gave way. Unlucky to have had his place taken for the moment.</p>
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<h3 id="N0cGko"><em><strong>Average: 5.69/10</strong></em></h3>
<p id="GfN2Ub"><em>Vote for your man of the match below, or </em><a href="https://linkto.run/p/81VEBO8J"><em>through this link</em></a><em>. </em></p>
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<div style="font-size:1em;background-color:#00355F;color:#FFF;font-family:'Open Sans', sans-serif, Arial"><div style="padding:0.8em;line-height:1.3em">Who was your man of the match against Swansea City?</div></div>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/29/20889474/swansea-city-1-1-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-swansETRCunningham2019-09-29T09:51:34+01:002019-09-29T09:51:34+01:00Jose Gomes On Well-Deserved Swansea City Point
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PMfp8zJdGL3UplqIgJ0ThbnL8SI=/150x0:1770x1080/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65349360/Gomes_Ben_Illustration.0.jpg" />
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<p>He said a neutral observer wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between promotion-chasing Swansea and strugglers Reading. </p> <p id="TuHJPF">The Royals scored a last-minute equaliser to stop Swansea City from going top of the league at the Liberty Stadium. The Swans took the lead within the first three minutes but Reading equalised through Andy Yiadom in the 90th minute to pick up a really important point after a much improved second half display. </p>
<p id="f4wFaL">Gomes was happy to pick up what he felt was a well deserved point. He spoke to the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">official club website</a> and <a href="https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reading-fc-gomes-reaction-swansea-16999419">GetReading</a>.</p>
<h3 id="PPd0uQ"><strong>Gomes on the result</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="W7USme">“This result was more than deserved – for the club, for the players, for the technical staff, and also for our fans who supported us from the first whistle until the end; they were fantastic again. They deserved at least one point. But, to be fair, I thought we could have got three points from this game.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="6nQ1lQ"><strong>Gomes on the game</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="bFIOqL">“The first half was a bit strange. We came to the game with a plan, and we blocked their midfielders, their main source. But they scored in the third minute from wide, from a cross. Usually they are very, very dangerous through the middle – we managed to block this, and we did well with that. </p>
<p id="cNEByN">“It was a quite balanced first half. In the second half, it was a completely different game. We were much better in my opinion. We controlled the game. They created one dangerous situation in a counter-attack, but we controlled the game and had Swansea defending in their box.</p>
<p id="MsimAr">“We made some mistakes where we lost the ball near their box, where we could have used the ball better. But I am happy with what my players did and the spirit that they showed.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="qPKMNQ"><strong>Gomes on moving forward and keeping the spirit</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="CI3i0y">“There’s ten points between us and Swansea. But if you came to the stadium and saw the game, you wouldn’t be able to say which was the team with 18 points and which has eight. The way that we have been working and the way that our players show this quality football, we will get the results. It is a question of time.</p>
<p id="m2vxTk">“I hope that we can keep this spirit – but of course, we want to score earlier in the game. It’s better for our heart! We expect to score after creating so many chances. We must turn these chances into goals.”</p>
<p id="nLBV0G">“For the number of actions we made, for the number of passes we made, for the amount of time that we spent in their half, we must improve the number of shots. We need to shoot more. If we can find a way to their goal, the chances to score will be higher.”</p>
</blockquote>
<h3 id="WsHfgE"><strong>Gomes on the change of shape after Blackett’s injury</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="60qXV3">“It wasn’t a difficult thing to do. Boye played on the right, Joao was at no.10, Swift and Rinomhota in behind, and Ejaria on the left. Ejaria played there last season but not this season. He covered the midfield centre zone and Obita starting jumping at Roberts - their full-back. Sometimes Ejaria was behind him - it’s a small detail but they settled down afterwards.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="BDQUXw"><strong>Gomes on injuries</strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="6N1reV">“Obita had cramp. Blackett doesn’t look serious but we will see. Also a problem with Joao so we’ll see tomorrow.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="LZQ6Yd"><strong>Gomes on the latest on Miazga </strong></h3>
<blockquote><p id="IYStvU">“He came back from injury and played 99 minutes against Wolves on Wednesday. He did well but he was very tired so it might be a risk to play him again - like the medical department said. McIntyre was on the bench if we needed another centre-back.”</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="P11VC8"><strong>Gomes on lacking the killer touch</strong></h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="6ofNGj">“Even in the first half, we had some cut-back passes where we could have scored - two of them were corners. But in the second half so many times the ball was in their half and we should try to shoot more.</p>
<p id="AQgGj0">“Looking the team and how they played against Swansea away - it’s a very positive thing. We just need to trust and believe in them and in the process and in the way we have been working.</p>
<p id="Gu77jA">“Sometimes in football when we don’t win you look for the problem but when you finish the conversation you realise the problem is everywhere. Sometimes you have no problem - it’s football. When we don’t perform well and I can’t see anything then we must be concerned but lacking consistency is our problem.”</p>
</blockquote>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/29/20888762/jose-gomes-on-well-deserved-swansea-point-reading-fc-royals-swans-liberty-stadiumsophierfc102019-09-29T08:29:40+01:002019-09-29T08:29:40+01:00Swansea City 1-1 Reading: Building Blocks
<figure>
<img alt="Swansea City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ecV9JiIZ1qxvP_HP7hal4R39n60=/131x0:3388x2171/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65349302/1171703474.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Our take on a point gained at the Liberty Stadium as the Royals strike late to salvage a draw. </p> <p id="Ey9Ckt">Reading are starting to make some slow, but steady progress. After a run of three defeats on the spin, the Royals are now unbeaten in their last two games in all competitions (in normal time), building on a 1-1 draw at Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers to get the same scoreline at Swansea City.</p>
<p id="3eaW2m">As with the League Cup match at Molineux, Reading required a late goal to spare the blushes of a first-half opener from the home side. Although they didn’t need a full nine minutes of injury time to get the goal this time, the Royals did still bide their time before Andy Yiadom lashed home in the 90th minute.</p>
<p id="9nu3GK">It was no more than we deserved, although suggesting we would have been good value for a win would have been more of a stretch. Then again, as is quickly becoming a theme this season, we had enough chances to go home with three points. Nonetheless, we’re still talking about a positive result away to a strong side. Swansea may not be in the Premier League like Wednesday’s opponents Wolves, but if they can keep up their strong start to the campaign it may be a case of when rather than if they get there. </p>
<h3 id="rM9oaa"><strong>First half</strong></h3>
<p id="mMkcTI">They demonstrated their credentials by controlling possession for much of the first half, happy to keep the ball, move it around quickly and make Reading chase it. It was at the end of one such patient move in the third minute that Borja Baston headed home, finding far too much space between Reading centre halves Liam Moore and Michael Morrison before guiding the ball past Rafael.</p>
<p id="0FlApT">Besides the frustration of conceding so early in the match, I’m left wondering what part the defensive reorganisation had to play in that goal. Jose Gomes again went for a back three, but made two changes to that unit from the team that faced Wolves: Liam Moore and Michael Morrison in for Tom McIntyre and Matt Miazga. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Swansea City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cZf_sKr3eBbg5VREJQZ8OHZfmaI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19241570/1171703677.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="HfoZZU">The third defender, Tyler Blackett, was making just his second start of the season after playing in midweek. To be fair, those weren’t poor changes. Moore was always going to return and bringing Morrison back after fine form earlier in the season made sense, while Miazga is presumably still recovering from injury himself and McIntyre - despite looking promising - hasn’t hit consistency just yet. </p>
<p id="3OHvqY">But regular alterations to the defence (however valid) will lead to lapses at the back similar to the one that gifted Swansea City an early lead - the kind of situation that Reading have previously struggled to recover from. Gomes needs to pick his best defence and stick with it. </p>
<p id="NW19B1">Anyway, I digress. Swansea bossed much of the early stages, keeping the ball intelligently and patiently moving it around, often able to play through a Reading side that didn’t close down aggressively enough. But we had flashes of our own in the final third, and should have equalised through George Puscas after a corner, only for the Romanian to balloon his close-range shot over the bar.</p>
<p id="bjXIiD">It was yet another golden chance missed by Puscas, who seems to be in desperately short supply of composure in front of goal. As he would show throughout the game, he works hard enough and tries to cause problems with his movement, but his striker’s instinct is off. Similarly, he lacks sharpness in his hold-up play. For me it’s most likely that he isn’t fully settled yet, but whatever the reason he needs that next goal as soon as possible for the sake of his own confidence. </p>
<aside id="ZUxYIS"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How Do You Solve A Problem Like George Puscas?","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/24/20880344/how-do-you-solve-a-problem-like-george-puscas-reading-fc-royals"}]}'></div></aside><p id="jQ2Iy5">Somewhat ironically, given my earlier comments about our defensive changes, Reading were forced into one midway through the half. Tyler Blackett pulled up and, despite trying to play through the pain, eventually had to be withdrawn. Interestingly though, Gomes pre-empted his usual tactical switch of withdrawing a centre back for a forward - thereby going to a back four - by bringing on Lucas Joao. </p>
<p id="YWJFYZ">I’m not entirely sure what formation we went for at that stage, but it seemed to most closely resemble a 4-1-4-1. Andy Rinomhota continued his holding role in front of the re-jigged defence, Ovie Ejaria went to the left, Lucas Boye to the right, while John Swift and Joao supported Puscas centrally. That gradually started to pay off, with Reading increasingly able to disrupt the home side and play much more of the game in Swansea’s third, even if the Royals lacked the quality to open up the Swans.</p>
<p id="h1836W">Perhaps because of that, Boye’s frustrations boiled over. Having already been booked for a rash challenge by the touchline - needlessly, and similar to how he was carded at Middlesbrough a few weeks ago - just before the break he pulled back a Swansea player to prevent a counter, and a less lenient referee could have sent him for an early shower. Very wisely, Gomes subbed the Argentinian at half-time. </p>
<h3 id="PmjNU2"><strong>Second half</strong></h3>
<p id="E6C29j">In his place came Josh Barrett - belatedly though, as he didn’t emerge in time for the restart so Reading began the second half with ten men. When he did come on it was on the left wing, and he added much more direct, strong running on that flank, often linking up well with left-back Jordan Obita.</p>
<p id="qOyn93">Reading had continued where they left off, pushing Swansea back well, but again we couldn’t quite open up the opposition well enough. However, Swift and Ejaria looked increasingly influential, Yiadom was getting forward well down the right, and substitute Joao was a handful centrally with strong drives forward - although he needs to improve his hold-up play and decision making. </p>
<p id="5D3gkY">Swansea City fan Declan Terry told us before the game in our <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/27/20885845/view-from-the-town-end-swansea-city-reading-fc-royals-swans-liberty-stadium">Town End preview</a> that a weakness of the Swans was their relative youth and naivety. Although they did still remain a threat for the rest of the game, that lack of experience seemed to make it harder for them to manage their lead, and - for me - played a part in helping us to secure a deserved point. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Swansea City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9BuUKsDVhbwjzUCyg6x3ifK9oxk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19241573/1171759299.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="qW24hH">Having threatened down the right for much of the game, and certainly getting forward better than fellow fullback Obita - who was himself replaced by Omar Richards in the second half - Yiadom popped up in the 90th minute to lash home an equaliser from the right side of the box after clever link-up play from Joao on the edge of the box. Cue delirium in the away end. For the second time in a week, Reading had kept going until the very end and got their reward. </p>
<h3 id="gc8xDi"><strong>Final thoughts</strong></h3>
<p id="DBBGqe">Not a great afternoon for Reading, but a good one even so. Had we shown the same lack of character at the Liberty Stadium as we did against Blackburn Rovers, we would likely have come away a fourth straight league defeat, but Reading had the spirit to stick in there, keep going and get the all-important goal, even if it was from a somewhat unlikely source. </p>
<p id="rNAcID">That we managed our first point of the season when conceding the first goal against a high-flying Swansea City side shouldn’t be understated. Reading have now got that particularly annoying monkey off their shoulder and will be the stronger for it - but it’s now up to the players to make sure they can build on the psychological boost they’ve made for themselves. </p>
<p id="peXYIu">Nonetheless, the game should give the manager a few things to ponder ahead of Fulham’s visit on Tuesday evening, particularly who he wants to play in defence and what formation that defence is a part of. For me, starting with a back four is the logical decision. As we showed against Swansea (and indeed on previous occasions this season) we’re more threatening with that extra man in the final third. </p>
<p id="7ndtFz">As for the defence, Moore, Morrison, Miazga and McIntyre will all be pushing to start (assuming all are fit) but starting with a back four means that two miss out, and I’m inclined to go with Moore and Miazga. Again though, if Gomes makes that call, he needs to stick with it and give the chosen combination time to get going.</p>
<p id="K6wg5V">On the whole though, a 1-1 draw at Swansea City is a good result to build on. With recently relegated Fulham another tough opponent in midweek, learning the lessons from the Liberty will be vital if we’re to get back to winning ways. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="KxyGzm">
<p id="RFIKig"><em><strong>Reading</strong></em><em>: Rafael; Moore, Morrison, Blackett (Joao); Yiadom, Swift, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Obita (Richards); Boye (Barrett), Puscas</em></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/29/20888873/swansea-city-1-1-reading-fc-royals-swans-building-blocks-match-reportBucksRoyal2019-09-28T08:45:00+01:002019-09-28T08:45:00+01:00Swansea City vs Reading: Match Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Swansea City v Cambridge United - Carabao Cup Second Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fTi2R5TQLKWlLGP9jCyDu5rXlTA=/0x0:2094x1396/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65344643/1164549499.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The lowdown on two sides in very different form. </p> <p id="MpfMh8">Reading travel to Wales this weekend to face a Swansea City side that has thrived under new manager Steve Cooper so far this season. After three consecutive defeats in the league as well as their midweek loss in the Carabao Cup against Wolves, Reading really need to pick up their form if they’re to climb up the Championship table. Jose Gomes will only come under more pressure if Reading lose again at the Liberty Stadium this week.</p>
<p id="UsJzZJ">Here’s my preview as second takes on 20th in an important game for both sides competing at opposite ends of the Championship table.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="yTiRbE">
<p id="rfFxoF"><strong>What? </strong>Championship Matchday 9</p>
<p id="UTs8CB"><strong>Who?</strong> Swansea City</p>
<p id="gAnko9"><strong>Where?</strong> Liberty Stadium</p>
<p id="cIawTj"><strong>When?</strong> Saturday 28th September (3pm KO)</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="cHFHuc">
<h2 id="p8pLxZ"><strong>League form</strong></h2>
<h3 id="x48tZh"><strong>Swansea City: WWWLD</strong></h3>
<p id="emwyfs">Swansea have started the season off very well, despite only taking one point from a possible six in their last two league games. Their most impressive result of the season came at Elland Road against top of the table Leeds United, with Wayne Routledge ensuring that the Swans took all three points back to Wales in a 1-0 win. </p>
<p id="d5Qp52">Full back Jake Bidwell will miss this weekend’s game after his red card against Bristol City. He sat out the Carabao Cup game against Watford and will also be ineligible for the Charlton Athletic fixture in serving his three-match suspension. Forward Aldo Kalulu, on loan from Swiss side FC Basel, will also miss this weekend’s fixture with an ankle injury.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="mSYPA6">
<h3 id="0QSLz9"><strong>Reading: DWLLL</strong></h3>
<p id="XLxjUa">Although Reading started the season off reasonably promisingly and were in midtable after the win at Huddersfield Town, a run of three consecutive defeats has put Reading just above the dotted line. They are just two points ahead of 22nd-placed Barnsley and could fall into the bottom three if this wretched run of form continues. </p>
<p id="dKav2o">Michael Morrison was <a href="https://twitter.com/willsumner09/status/1175501948767875073">seen wearing a protective boot</a> as he left the Madejski Stadium last weekend and is likely to be a doubt for this weekend’s tie in Wales. However, Matt Miazga is match fit after his appearance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek and could replace him in central defence. Tyler Blackett and Tom McIntyre are other options for manager Gomes, who will look to tighten up his defence against an in-form Swansea City.</p>
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<h2 id="0fc3OA"><strong>The last meeting</strong></h2>
<h3 id="hkzLqw"><strong>Reading 1-4 Swansea City</strong></h3>
<div id="QyvOyW"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lMfaPAbCUrY?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="zRBevc">This New Year’s Day tie was arguably the lowest point of Reading’s 2019 so far. Oli McBurnie put the Swans 1-0 up at the Madejski Stadium within two minutes, placing a header past Anssi Jaakkola. Bersant Celina’s floating ball in to the 18-yard box led to the away side doubling their lead, with Connor Roberts tapping the ball home. Mike van der Hoorn’s superb finish from a Matt Grimes free kick, shortly before half time, put the Swans 3-0 up at the interval against the Royals. Where have we heard that before?</p>
<p id="ETfU4B">Andy Yiadom’s foul on the edge of the area gave McBurnie a chance to grab a brace early on in the second half, a chance which he converted with confidence. Callum Harriott’s consolation wasn’t enough to prevent a humiliating defeat in the first fixture of 2019.</p>
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<h2 id="MqlydR"><strong>TTE stats</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="61lpNU">Reading have failed to win any of their last 11 matches against Swansea City. Their last victory was in September 2008, in a 4-0 home win at the Madejski Stadium.</li>
<li id="wcv99o">The Royals have also only scored once in the past four competitive games against the Swans.</li>
<li id="D54Tjs">Swansea City are unbeaten in seven of their eight Championship fixtures this season. This defeat came at home against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.</li>
<li id="rIqHUB">The Welsh side have the second best defence in the league so far this season, conceding just five goals in eight games.</li>
</ul>
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<h2 id="bbACYq"><strong>Predictions</strong></h2>
<p id="DDZ0ky"><em><strong>Likely Reading lineup: </strong></em><em>Rafael, Obita, Blackett, Moore, Miazga, Yiadom, Pele, Swift, Ejaria, Joao, Puscas</em></p>
<p id="B0voLY">After starting his first Championship game in almost two years, Jordan Obita is likely to be included in the starting eleven again, with Liam Moore alongside him in defence. Matt Miazga has also returned from injury and could be started again this weekend, with Reading’s form declining after his absence recently.</p>
<p id="ei5INz">Pele, John Swift and Ovie Ejaria will be hoping that they can produce a performance similar to the one against Cardiff City. Attack could be the best form of defence against a side which are currently flying high in the Championship. Although Ejaria hasn’t played at his best recently, form is temporary and class is permanent. As long as he keeps playing, he will be a vital player this season. John Swift has also performed very well so far in this campaign.</p>
<p id="mYIsBP">George Puscas and Lucas Joao are also likely to start again this weekend. If they can work well together in the coming months, the duo could be responsible for a possible upturn in form. If they can’t help Reading climb up the table, Jose Gomes may opt to switch to one up front, but I think Gomes should give the pair one more chance to impress.</p>
<p id="51s5Kb">The away side have all the attacking firepower needed to score a hatful of goals this season. It’s vital that Reading get the first goal this weekend. Will they get it? I have serious doubts. The Royals look like they are on a downward spiral at the moment. I predict a comfortable 2-0 win for the home side this Saturday.</p>
<p id="VaJT60"><strong>Score Prediction: Swansea City 2-0 Reading </strong></p>
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<h2 id="VIM63w"><strong>Other Championship fixtures</strong></h2>
<p id="vF1pJ1"><strong>All Saturday 28th September (3pm KO) unless stated</strong></p>
<p id="CGKA6P">Fulham vs Wigan Athletic (Friday 27th September 7:45pm KO)</p>
<p id="B3fGGQ">Stoke City vs Nottingham Forest (Friday 27th September 8pm KO)</p>
<p id="TNp55H">Queens Park Rangers vs West Bromwich Albion (12:30pm)</p>
<p id="TVzxoh">Blackburn Rovers vs Luton Town</p>
<p id="GM7QgE">Charlton Athletic vs Leeds United</p>
<p id="A8ecLi">Derby County vs Birmingham City</p>
<p id="E8s4Dk">Huddersfield Town vs Millwall</p>
<p id="6D8O8t">Hull City vs Cardiff City</p>
<p id="ecj8wU">Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday</p>
<p id="6L7typ">Preston North End vs Bristol City</p>
<p id="p608gs">Barnsley vs Brentford (Sunday 29th September 1:30pm KO)</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2019/9/28/20885900/swansea-city-vs-reading-fc-match-preview-royals-swansajonesrfc