The Tilehurst End - West Brom 1 - 0 Reading - Royals Beaten By The BaggiesReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2012-09-25T15:31:17+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/31580162012-09-25T15:31:17+01:002012-09-25T15:31:17+01:00West Brom v Reading – By The Numbers
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<p>A look at the facts and figures from Reading's 1-0 loss to West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.</p> <p>It might seem like a little bit of a chore to wade through the statistics of this match in which it seemed we lacked a cutting edge, but actually the figures are kinder to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading</a> than one would expect on first glance. Obviously raw data can’t change what Royals fans saw on the day and in replays, but there are some positives to glean from the match, despite the meek 1-0 loss. As ever, thanks to EPL Index for the data.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Passing</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u></u></b>The figures here are relatively similar for both sides. West Brom completed 339/440 passes for a 77% pass completion rate. Reading mustered 382 attempts, completing 286, or 75% of their passes. That’s 70 more than Reading tried at home to Spurs. In terms of possession, we saw more of the ball at the Hawthorns than at the Mad Stad last week. <span>Andre Villas-Boas</span>’ high pressing system limited the Royals to just 42.3% of possession, whereas the Baggies were happier for us to keep the ball – 47.1% of the time, Reading had possession. It’s certainly a far cry from the <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> match, where we saw just 28.6% of the ball!</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">In the final third Reading actually attempted more passes than West Brom – 139 to 134 – but only completed 78 compared to the Baggies’ 83. One passing stat which might surprise Royals fans is the gulf in passing between our two strikers Pogrebnyak and Le Fondre. When we signed the Pog, many thought he would be the big target and link-man to bring others into play. However, he only completed 11 of 18 passes for 61%, the lowest for any outfield player for either team. Meanwhile <span>Adam Le Fondre</span> only misplaced one of his 19 attempted passes – the highest completion rate of any starting player.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Many have thought Danny Guthrie would be the key midfield cog this year, but it was infact <span>Mikele Leigertwood</span> who attempted more passes (58) than anyone else in yellow. <span>Chris Gunter</span> (49) and <span>Nicky Shorey</span> (48) also tried more than the former <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Newcastle</a> man (47), but their accuracies were far worse – Guthrie’s 89% by far beating out the other three, who all scored below 75%. Leigertwood (8/17) also attempted more final-third passes than Guthrie (10/14), but again it was the full-backs who were asked to get forward and support attacks – Shorey (11/19) and Gunter (7/16). Good to see the Royals being braver in the final third by pushing up the full-backs.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Crossing </u></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">This department was far better than at home to Spurs, where we completed just 3 of 28 crosses. This week we completed 9 of 33 and it was <span>Jobi McAnuff</span> who completed 4 of them. Shorey weighed in with 2 more successful crosses, whilst <span>Garath McCleary</span> has now completed just one of 17 in the last two games, the sole success coming against the Baggies. Chris Gunter attempted 4 but completed none, so clearly the left side is more effective than the right at the moment, despite the impression from watching the game, where it appeared McAnuff was more wasteful than most.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Frustratingly, Reading won no corners on Saturday, which is a source from which Royals fans might get more excited than most owing to our success last year from set-pieces. <span>Alex Pearce</span> had one header from a free-kick but no other set-play chances greatly reduced our odds of scoring. Whether it was our own failure to win the corners or tactical play from West Brom to limit them, it proved costly. <span>Chris Brunt</span> was the main crossing outlet for the Baggies – he attempted 17 crosses and was successful with 6, including the corner from which <span>Jonas Olsson</span> hit the bar.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Shooting</u></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Well, for all the positivity, there had to be some negatives… You can’t score if you don’t shoot and for the fourth game in a row, we’ve been outgunned up top. It was only 11 shots to 10 for West Brom, but the Royals only mustered one shot on target all game – Garath McCleary’s spectacular but weak overhead kick. Adam Le Fondre had two attempts (one off target, one blocked) whilst Pogrebnyak didn’t have a shot all game. <span>Kaspars Gorkss</span> even popped up with a shot – a 35 yard daisy cutter which, er, bobbled well wide.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span>Romelu Lukaku</span> for the Baggies only had two shots but he showed that if you at least hit the target, anything can happen – <span>Alex McCarthy</span> might be a little disappointed to be beaten from 18 yards but if you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win the raffle. The England U21 keeper will be happier to have kept out West Brom’s top gunner <span>James Morrison</span>, whose two shots on target were both well saved.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Tackling</u></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Reading won more on the ground than West Brom, and slightly less in the air. Breaking down the key zones: Jobi McAnuff was Reading’s most successful ground dueller, winning 8 of his 11 contests. <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span>, meanwhile, was least successful, losing 75% of his contests on the floor.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The match was, as you might expect, dominated by the centre backs in the air. Pearce and Gorkss won 9 of their 13 aerial duels, mainly against Romelu Lukaku who won only 2 of 8. Pogrebnyak had more success in the air, winning 4 of 8, but again the Baggies defenders for the most part had our attackers in their pockets – their centre-backs winning 11 of their 17 aerial challenges.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Conclusions</u></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Reading just about matched West Brom in every department except finishing. The Baggies were pretty much matched in passing and tackling, and in fact beaten on crossing, but again it’s the shooting which is letting the Royals down. One shot on target all game from a team playing 4-4-2 is simply wasteful, and it’s easy to see why Reading have scored just 4 goals in 4 games. Ironically this was the first match we’ve been kept out in, despite perhaps having the best opportunity to score – on paper. Of course, football isn’t played on reams of paper, but the stats can reveal players making better or worse contributions than you think.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Jobi McAnuff bore most of the brunt of Reading’s last two losses but the stats show he actually had a decent game. He attempted 6 dribbles and completed 5, he attempted 9 crosses and completed 4, and he generally kept the ball when challenged on the ground. Compare this to McCleary, who may have electric pace and the "wow" factor, but his stats (0/0 dribbles, 1/7 crosses, 3/6 ground duels) show him to perhaps be less effective than people might believe. One can only hope that when <span>Jimmy Kebe</span> returns, he might provide the spark Reading need.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Another returning player is Jason Roberts, who could be back in a couple of weeks. His ball retention may be better than Pog’s, which might free the Russian up to do more in front of goal – the stats reveal he might not be the target man we all hoped he would be. Yet Le Fondre had the most shots of any Reading player, and the best pass completion, so that just tells you that raw stats can’t give you the same impression watching the game does. Football is becoming increasingly played in the stats lab these days and I’m sure McDermott and his team will have an eye on these figures – we’re matching similar teams in every department except the finishing one, which could be the most important of all.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/9/25/3404920/west-brom-v-reading-by-the-numbersjonnafon2012-09-23T20:36:35+01:002012-09-23T20:36:35+01:00All Things Pastries, Police and Politeness
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<p>After the disaster of the soggy trip up to Sunderland (on my birthday, too), I was eager to get back on the road with the Royals. The trip to the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon was my 5th visit to the home of the Baggies, and was also the shortest journey I’ll make to a league game this season – 60 miles there and back.</p>
<p>The Hawthorns has always been one of my favourite grounds. It’s easily accessible by all modes of transport, being only a mile from junction 1 of the M5, and with good train and tram links to Wolverhampton and Birmingham from the Hawthorns station, and Smethwick Galton Bridge station is also within walking distance. There are plenty of car parks around, which are all reasonably priced; the one I parked in on Saturday was only £5.The only downside is that the traffic is always horrendous after the game because of its location, in between a housing and industrial estate.</p>
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<p>To fill the void of no Royals football a couple of weeks ago, I dragged a friend along to West Brom when they defeated Everton 2-0. I was seated in the home end and the difference in the way home and away fans are treated was apparent from my visit on Saturday. When I was sat in the home end, my handbag was merely peered into when approaching the turnstiles. When visiting the ground as an away fan, my handbag was dug into as though they were purposely looking for items that could be deemed ‘dangerous’. I was also frisked, and the pockets of my coat AND cardigan were searched. I always find that slightly over the top at a football match, but I always remember the Hawthorns looking like they have an excessive amount of stewards around and about the away end on a matchday.</p>
<p>It has been recently publicised in the local and national news that arrests at football matches in the West Midlands have decreased since 2009, thanks to a ‘new police approach’. A BBC article published on 22nd September suggests that ‘low profile policing’ at games has contributed to the 30% drop in arrests at the top six teams in the region (Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Coventry City, Walsall, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers). The article also highlighted that of the approximate 2 million fans in attendance of games at these six clubs last season, only 250 people were detained. Being more friendly and approachable to ‘regular, law-abiding’ fans were some of their main aims, and I found this apparent whilst walking around the Hawthorns. We were asked if we knew where we needed to go and told to enjoy the game by two passing officers. It put me at ease and definitely helped with the whole atmosphere of the day.</p>
<p>Once inside, the concourse in the away end was narrow and slightly cramped, especially when people were queuing for food, as there was one hatch with only 4 or 5 people serving. However, there was a wide selection of hot food on offer, including sausage rolls, cheese and onion slices (my absolute favourite football food) and the usual selection of pies. Most of the pastries were priced under £3, and several different ‘meal deals’ were also available.</p>
<p>I was located 3 rows from the back of the stand, and although I was right in the corner, I had a great view of the whole pitch. My only qualm was that I could not see either of the big screens (one was too far away and one was around the corner). I’m obsessive about the time, especially at a football match, so not being able to clock watch was a bit of an annoyance. Every West Brom fan I spoke to after the game was very friendly. To start with they were confused by my local accent, but they felt our pain and managed to sympathise with us as they have been in our position many times before. They’re quite proud of their ‘boing boing’ reputation. I even had a Baggies fan point out whilst driving on the M54 that I was travelling ‘the wrong way home’. I think we would have probably noticed by then if we had taken a wrong turn, but it was very considerate of them anyway.</p>
<p>In regards to the game, it was easily a day to forget. Too many simple mistakes effectively cost us the game. However, we are still only four games into this very long Premier League season, and I am hopeful BMac can focus on the positives and pick us up for our game against Newcastle.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/9/23/3378226/west-brom-vs-reading-all-things-pastries-police-and-politenessBecka_Ellen2012-09-22T21:50:39+01:002012-09-22T21:50:39+01:00West Brom 1-0 Reading: Blunt
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<p>When you've just spent 10 hours of your day watching Reading conjure up 1 shot on target and lose 1-0 to an off-key West Brom side, you do sit and wonder, is it all worth it? Then you remember the wins at West Ham, Southampton and that magical night against Nottingham Forest and think, yeah it's worth it.
</p> <p><i><u><b>Reading Prem Watch</b></u></i></p>
<p><i>2006/07: P4 W2 D0 L2 PTS: 6 8th</i></p>
<p><i>2007/08: P4 W1 D1 L2 PTS: 4 15th</i></p>
<p><i><b>2012/13: P4 W0 D1 L3 PTS: 1 20th</b></i></p>
<p><b>Reading</b>: McCarthy (8); Shorey (7), Pearce (8), Gorkss (7), Gunter (7); McAnuff (5), Leigertwood (5), Guthrie (6), McCleary (5); Pogrebnyak (5), Le Fondre (6) - Subs: Robson-Kanu (6), Hunt (6)</p>
<p>When you've just spent 10 hours of your day watching Reading conjure up 1 shot on target and lose 1-0 to an off-key West Brom side, you do sit and wonder, is it all worth it? Then you remember the wins at West Ham, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> and that magical night against Nottingham Forest and think, yeah it's worth it.</p>
<p>As far as today goes, to put it simply, Reading weren't very good and didn't really deserve to come away from the Midlands with anything. The front line looked blunt and was hardly helped by a lacklustre display from both wingers and <span>Mikele Leigertwood</span>.</p>
<p>On the bright side the defence looked a damn sight sharper than it has done for most of this young season. <span>Alex McCarthy</span> showed exactly why he's been given a chance over Federici, while <span>Alex Pearce</span> showed why he's earned International honours this year.</p>
<p>After the jump, we'll try and pick the positives out of another frustrating day for Reading at the Hawthorns and ponder where we go from here.</p>
<p>Travelling up on the STAR coaches I can't say I had an overwhelmingly positive feeling travelling to a ground where we've hardly enjoyed rampant success in the past. While West Brom's Peter Odemwingie was suspended, there was still the threat of <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> and former Royal <span>Shane Long</span> to deal with and it was quite relieving to hear that Long had been left out of Steve Clarke's starting lineup.</p>
<p>Reading meanwhile responded to the 3-1 defeat at Spurs by dropping <span>Ian Harte</span> for former Baggie <span>Nicky Shorey</span>, while <span>Jem Karacan</span> was sacrificed for <span>Adam Le Fondre</span> as we went back to a more familiar 4-4-2. I don't think Ian Harte can have many complaints after a disappointing start to the season and as Adam Federici has found out, you're only as good as your last couple of games.</p>
<p>Reading actually started this one pretty brightly and while there wasn't too many chances created, it was a game in which we more than matched our hosts across most of the pitch, something that couldn't be said last Sunday against Spurs. Sadly the one area we couldn't match West Brom was in the final third and the Baggies had by far the best chances throughout the game. Thankfully Alex McCarthy was in top top form, as good as he'd been at Goodison Park or throughout his successful spell 18 months ago. The young 'keeper made fine saves in both halves from Kames Morrison and commanding his area very well as Reading largely kept West Brom at bay.</p>
<p>McCarthy was ably assisted by his defence, with Pearce and Gorkss dealing well with the physical presence of Lukaku, or as West Brom fans sang, 'The Fridge from Stamford Bridge'. Chris Gunter had probably his best performance in a Reading shirt while Nicky Shorey showed touches of class and his extra mobility enabled Reading to press West Brom back far more than they've been able to do to other sides this season.</p>
<p>Sadly despite a great performance as a unit, they couldn't keep the clean sheet as Lukaku's shot from just outside the box squeezed through a defender's legs past an unsighted McCarthy to secure the points twenty minutes from time.</p>
<p>I say secure the points because <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading's</a> attacking unit really never looked like threatening <span>Ben Foster</span> and each of them with the possible exceptions of Guthrie and Le Fondre, will once again be wondering if they've actually earned their wages this week.</p>
<p>While his former Forest team-mate Gunter had perhaps his best game for Reading, unfortunately the same can't be said of <span>Garath McCleary</span> who seemed frightened to take on his man and whose delivery from the byline was sub-par. The winger did have our best effort on goal though, with his overhead kick being well struck, but sadly going straight at Foster. On the opposite wing and <span>Jobi McAnuff</span> once again looked a frustrated figure who struggled to influence the game and was given little help by referee Chris Foy. To his credit McAnuff did fizz in a nice cross in the first half and a couple of times cut in well to make surges towards the box, but on each occasion he found himself either upended or blocked by some good defending from the Baggies.</p>
<p>I'm not going to pin too much blame on Jobi because it's obvious that he's trying his heart out but you can understand the growing frustration from the terraces as he just seems to be lacking an edge that's going to beat full-backs at this level. His lack of a consistantly quality left footed delivery doesn't help his cause and I can't help but wonder whether the left wing is an attacking outlet that's being under-utilised by playing McAnuff. His defensive work remains excellent but Jobi isn't scaring anybody and his repertoire of tricks hasn't really fooled anyone in the four league games this season. He deserves plenty of patience and support, not least because I don't think there's anybody who'll really do a better job there right now while he's also a good captain. However, <span>Jimmy Kebe's</span> imminent return is going to pose one of, if not the most serious selection dilemmas of Brian McDermott's tenure.</p>
<p>In the centre and Danny Guthrie was once again a composed presence but he struggled to make a real impact when playing against a five man midfield. His partner for the day Mikele Leigertwood had a poor game and struggled to hang on to the ball. His off the ball work was as good as ever but again the five man midfield from West Brom left him struggling to make an impact while his lack of quality on the ball hardly helped our strikeforce who were feeding off scraps for the entire game. Leigertwood is a good player that's capable of playing at this level but today's performance has once again demonstrated his limitations and he cannot afford to give the ball away so cheaply in this league.</p>
<p>Up front and you can't help but feel a bit sorry for <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> who could well be thinking 'what have I signed up for?'. The Russian was given virtually no service on the deck, instead being eft to try and win headers and come deep for the ball to try and get into the game. Lukaku showed that if you give a good player the ball on the edge of the area he's capable of crafting something and you can't help but wish that Reading's midfielders would try and play a few more balls up to his feet rather than forcing him to try and win everything in the air. Adam Le Fondre is a player a bit more used to the direct style and his movement was again excellent, even if his touches were minimal. Alfie can actually consider himself unlucky not to have been 1-on-1 with Foster when he burst through on to a bouncing ball in the second half only to get a boot in the face from the West Brom defender. Unsurprisingly no foul was given by Chris Foy who kept his whistle blowing to a minimum and let the majority of strong challenges go unpunished.</p>
<p>With the team a goal down, McDermott threw on Robson-Kanu for Gunter, and Hunt for Pogrenyak and while both were full of energy, neither looked overly threatening. Robson-Kanu did have a good headed chance but could only steer his effort over the bar.</p>
<p>The lack of quality on the subs bench was quite alarming and with the greatest respects to <span>Shaun Cummings</span>, Karacan, Churchy and <span>Adrian Mariappa</span>, none of them were ever likely to change a game in the same way that West Brom's first sub, Shane Long, could have done. With that in mind, Reading fans' attention has grown ever more on the treatment room and news of the fitness of Jimmy Kebe and Jason Roberts. Both played vital roles in our promotion and both are match winners, something that's lacking in the XI right now. Kebe in particular has a spark that none of our other wing options seem to posses, while Roberts has been around this level long enough to know where the goal is and help bring others a bit more in to the game. Kebe featured for 60 minutes yesterday in a friendly match so could be ready to be in the squad for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> next week. Roberts is a bit further away, but said on BBC Berks last weekend that he hopes to be back in training in 2 weeks, meaning a return after the international break at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> would seem a realistic target.</p>
<p>A word or two for West Brom who demonstrated the sort of level of performance that Reading need to be working towards if they've going to operate on a similar budget. West Brom don't have the superstars that are going to ensure top quality performances every week, but they've got enough ability and options in their squad to create chances and make sure they pick up points in games like this one. Most Baggies fans will admit that they hardly dominated this game and the home crowd was pretty quiet in a game that hardly set pulses racing amongst either set of supporters. Shane Long got a good reception from the travelling fans and took the time to shake hands and give out hugs to many of his former teammates at the final whistle. Lukaku looks a real talent and while he didn't look that sharp, you could see the quality and given a run of games he'll be a great asset for them this season. It's just a shame that he'll doubtless head back to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> in the summer and once again you have to ask yourself why teams like West Brom have to resort to developing players for a team in the same divison... but still that's an issue for another day.</p>
<p>So is it time to panic?</p>
<p>No not really but there's a few reasons to be concerned. If you took these results in isolation you'd probably say we've dropped two points to Stoke and maybe should have taken a point at the Hawthorns. You can't expect results against Chelsea and Tottenham and considering West Brom have taken 7 points from Spurs, Liverpool and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/">Everton</a>, even the Baggies are out of our 'mini-league'. Realistically we haven't dropped anything from our big big six-pointers and as our last relegation season showed, taking a point at Old Trafford is meaningless if you give 6 points away to teams who will be around you come the end of the season.</p>
<p>The growing confidence in the back 5 is also something to be positive about. Alex McCarthy looked every inch a Premier League goalkeeper while the four in front of him looked a good unit that was capable of largely shutting down a side that had scored five goals against the two Merseyside clubs to start the year. Danny Guthrie continues to look a wise purchase and while he had an off-day, McCleary has shown he's got something about him as well.</p>
<p>It's impossible to deny that question marks over some of the old guard. Leigertwood and McAnuff have both proved over and over again that they are top Championship players but both have to prove themselves again at this level and neither has made a convincing case to start the year. They've still got positive credit based on their previous form for this football club, but neither is guaranteed a spot going forward based on their current performance levels. Pog and Alfie are also a work in progress but I can't really say too much good or bad given their very, very limited service levels.</p>
<p>Reading now find themselves bottom of the league but hey, it's <b>FOUR GAMES INTO THE SEASON. </b>Last season we were one off the bottom of the Championship after dire performances against Hull and Watford but slowly began to grind out results before romping to the title. I don't think <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> have much to be worried about but it's certainly possible to see a Reading side with Kebe and Roberts, slowly picking up momentum and heading back up the table.</p>
<p>Anyway, that's me done and if you've made it this far perhaps you're prepared to go a little further and avoid feeling too down-hearted about things over the next week. Bring on Newcastle and hopefully, a first win.</p>
<p><b>PS. </b>There's also some big, big changes coming to this website very soon, so stay tuned for that, I promise it'll be worth it.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/9/22/3373744/west-brom-1-0-reading-bluntWimb2012-09-22T12:27:14+01:002012-09-22T12:27:14+01:00West Brom vs. Reading - Match Thread
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<p>Round 4 is here. Reading are looking to grab their first win of the season against a West Brom side which has already completed the Merseyside double at home this campaign. Steve Clarke's men are the perennial yo-yo club but after four games they sit nicely in 6th place. Of course, Brian McDermott isn't looking at the league table just yet but Royals fans will be hoping for a good showing after last week's tame performance at home to Tottenham left them languishing in the relegation zone.</p> <p>The Tilehurst End understands that Reading will be returning to the 4-4-2 formation which saw them promoted, after a couple of games unsuccessfully testing out a 4-4-1-1. We also understand that there will be at least one change in the defence as McDermott looks to shake up a back five which has shipped 7 goals in the last 2 games. More when the teams are officially announced at around 2:15pm.</p>
<p>4:25pm: Well, he had to be involved... Shane Long comes on for James Morrison and almost straight away sets up the West Brom opener. He beats Pearce in the air to head back to Lukaku on the edge of the box, who drills home past McCarthy. Questions over the Reading keeper's efforts to save the shot, it was pretty much straight at him but it also came through two defenders en route to the net. Noel Hunt is on for Pogrebnyak, we'll see if he can grab an equaliser.</p>
<p>3:45pm: It's half time at the Hawthorns and Reading are a little lucky to go in 0-0 at the break. A pretty lifeless first half came alive in the last two minutes, as Chris Gunter made a last-ditch tackle to deny Romelu Lukaku a shot on goal, then from the resulting corner Jonas Olsson hit the bar. Few chances for Reading as Pogrebnyak and Le Fondre aren't getting any service up top. Hopefully McDermott can inspire the team to a get a shot on goal in the second half.</p>
<p>3:00pm: We're underway.</p>
<p>2:30pm: As we reported earlier, a couple of changes for the Royals. Adam Le Fondre comes in for Jem Karacan to shift back to 4-4-2, whilst Nicky Shorey makes his first Premier League appearance in his second spell for Reading at the club he left in the summer. We'll see if these changes have any effect on the performance - we're hoping for a better showing than last week at home to Spurs.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/9/22/3372106/west-brom-vs-reading-match-threadjonnafon2012-09-21T12:07:59+01:002012-09-21T12:07:59+01:00View From The Town End - West Brom
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<p>If there is a comforting thing about the Tottenham defeat, it's that just 6 days later we have a chance to make amends, as we head to the Hawthorns to face West Brom.</p>
<p>Just like last week the opposition feature a former <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading" class="sbn-auto-link">Reading</a> player of the year in <span>Shane Long</span>, but lets hope it's Reading smiling this weekend. Ahead of the game, Baggies fan Liam Martin from <a href="http://www.westbrom.com" target="_blank">WestBrom.com</a> kindly shared with us his thoughts on the game</p>
<p><b>How do you view West Brom's start to the season?</b></p>
<p>Very good. Better than any of us could have wished for. We looked at the fixture list and assumed that Reading would be our most realistic chance of getting 3 points, however, the team have proved that notion to be incorrect. We've played some very good stuff to. Against <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> the performance from the side was one of the greatest I've seen in my time following Albion, against Spurs we were more than worthy of a point after not being at the races in the first 45 and we were very professional against <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a>. <a href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Fulham</a> was an off day at what is a tough place to go to. We weren't helped by the Odemwingie red card. Also, just quickly, been very impressed with <span>Steve Clarke</span> too. Very pro-active.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>After years of yo-yoing do you feel you've finally established yourself as a Premier League side or are eyes still always gazed at the bottom three?</b></p>
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<p>Given the nature of our budget we are towards the bottom end of the league in that respect and we rely on good coaching and very good scouting. McAuley, Jones, Mulumbu, Olsson, Popov, Odemwingie, Dorrans, Yacob, Rosenberg and I'm sure there's one I've missed have all been scouted and therefore signed for relatively low prices. Dan Ashworth is essential in this process but unfortunately he's seeking pastures new at the FA. I'm usually negative so will always have one eye over those relegation places but I do feel our side is good enough to push on and make that tenth spot ours for numerous seasons to come.</p>
<p><b>What are your best memories of West Brom v Reading?</b></p>
<p>I can't say I have many favourite memories to be honest. I would probably have to say the game where we drew 1-1 when Gabriel Tamas equalised late for us. Away end went bonkers that day!</p>
<p><b>And the worst?</b></p>
<p>Plenty to be honest, we've usually come off second best to you. The cup game I would say as it denied us an encounter with Aston Vile. Add to that your fans and players had some argy bargy with our stewards and we were beaten by the better side who produced two wonder goals after a Federici mistake.</p>
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<p class="p1"><b>Shane Long was a big loss for us after signing for the Baggies last summer, what have your fans made of him?</b></p>
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<p>Shane Long has very much split opinion to be honest with the Albion supporters. Firstly we cannot fault his effort or commitment as that is superb. Works his harris off for the side for there just seems to be that lack of premier league quality. He went through a spell last season where he was totally unplayable but <span>Alan Hutton</span> soon put an end to that with his thuggery which saw Long then have endless injury problems. His back, his knees, his heart you name it. To see a more collective view point on Shane Long, I'll provide a link: http://westbrom.com/forum/index.php?topic=4246.0</p>
<p><b>Anyone Reading fans should be worried about?</b></p>
<p><span>Romelu Lukaku</span> when he features will certainly give your back four problems. I saw you lot on Sunday purely 'scouting' and I wasn't impressed with your back four. Clumsy, lack of pace, lack of strength and generally looking dis-jointed will give us great encouragement. Yacob will set the tempo in hope that Lukaku, Brunt, Gera & Long can provide the ammunition. You never know though, you might play like Barcelona and wail us. It wouldn't surprise me.</p>
<p><b>Anyone that West Brom fans are worried about?</b></p>
<p>I don't know about our other fans but I myself aren't worried about anybody to be honest. Perhaps the POG but I would hope that Olsson and McAuley have enough about them. Our centre halves appear to like the muck and bullets of the game.</p>
<p><b>Any tips for travelling Royals?</b></p>
<p>Don't come because your going to lose! ;) Erm, it depends to be honest whether you're coming on train/coach or car. Coach or train would be the better option. You can either drink in Birmingham and catch the metro to The Hawthorns, or you can drink near the ground. I would tell you to visit the Vine down Roebuck Lane. Very good curries, very good beer and they accept away fans.</p>
<p><b>Score Prediction?</b></p>
<p>Scoreline, erm. 2-1 Albion. I hope.</p>
<p>Thanks again to Liam and you can follow him on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/liamwbafc" target="_blank">@LiamWBAFC</a></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/9/21/3367378/view-from-the-town-end-west-brom-v-readingfc-aWimb