This is what the personalities on each side had to say to say after Reading’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Madejski Stadium.
Reading manager Steve Coppell told the BBC, “The first goal was critical. They had a lot of possession but they didn’t create a great deal and they were getting frustrated.
“We talked about getting hurt on rebound from our corners and set-pieces and, lo and behold, they score from it.
“We found it hard to get back into game when their confidence started flowing.”
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the BBC, “The players have shown they can cope with the pressure.
“This was the best test – would we have the nerves to deal with being the last team to play (over the weekend) with people expecting us to drop points?
“It was good that we just played the game like we are used to. We could have scored more goals.”
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We held firm despite the possession Arsenal had until almost half time, had we got through until then maybe it would have been different but Arsenal were breaking at will, so quickly and dangerously we just couldn’t cope with it.
One of the most exciting teams when they break forward Arsenal.
They are a pleasure to watch aren’t they, even when it is against you you just have to say well done more often than not don’t you. We prepared to try and counter this, but still we couldn’t do it.