Super sub Adam Le Fondre was Reading’s saviour once again, as the forward scored twice in the final seven minutes to earn the Royals a point against Chelsea.
The first half had very few chances for either side, despite Chelsea dictating the majority of the play. Gary Cahill’s header was the closest either side came to a goal, with his diving header connecting with Lampard’s free kick, but went harmlessly wide. However, the European Champions dealt a cruel blow to the Royals just before half time.
Fernando Torres was not having much luck in front of goal, but his smartly chipped ball through to his compatriot Juan Mata, whose finely executed finish gave Chelsea the lead at the break. Into the second period, Oscar had a great chance to double his teams lead, but his pivoted volley sailed wide, after the Brazilian broke the Royals’ offside trap.
Rafa Benitez’s side continued to chip away and eventually broke down Reading’s continued resistance, as Frank Lampard fired his header home from an Juan Mata’s corner. However, the introduction of Adam Le Fondre has inspired would inspire the Madejski again and gave hope to another memorable comeback.
New signing and fellow substitute Hope Akpan fed through a wonderful ball for the prolific striker, who didn’t need a second invitation to fire his effort past Ross Turnbull, in what was Reading’s first shot on target of the game. As the hosts pushed for an equaliser, they left themselves open for a Chelsea counter attack and Ramirez almost profited, but Federici palmed his effort away.
Le Fondre scored a superb double to give Reading all three points against Newcastle two weeks ago and the former Rotherham striker was at it again. A long ball forward from Adam Federici was knocked on by various Reading heads, before reaching to the prolific striker to calmly volley home, in what was an exquisite finish.
Brian McDermott’s men are certainly making themselves known for being the comeback kings of the Premier League, having done it for the third consecutive game. It also now lifts the Royals out of the relegation zone into 17th place and further gives evidence to how we will not give up this relegation dog fight easily.
Reading: Federici, Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte, Leigertwood, Guthrie, Karacan, McAnuff, Kebe, Pogrebnyak
Subs: Taylor, Shorey, Morrison, Akpan, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, Le Fondre
Chelsea: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Cole, Bertrand, Ramires, Lampard (C), Mata , Oscar, Torres
Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Terry, Marin, Benayoun, Ake, Ba
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