Vital Reading takes a look at the players performances in the 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield on Tuesday evening.
Vital Reading takes a look at the players performances in the 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield on Tuesday evening.
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Adam Federici – 6 – Can`t be held accountable for either of the goals and his distribution was fine, albeit too slow sometimes. Made a few good stops in the second half.
Chris Gunter – 5 – A rare poor game from the usually reliable Welshman, who was run-ragged by debutant Harry Bunn all game – he was way too lightweight for the second goal. It was good to see him get forward more in the second half, but it was too little too late.
Alex Pearce – 6 – It was Pearce I was worried about the most coming into this game dealing with Wells, but he probably dealt with him better than Hector. He didn`t get too tight to him in the game, which gave him a few yards to stand him up and not get beaten by his pace.
Michael Hector – 5 – After a man of the match performance against Ipswich on Saturday, it all came crashing down in this one, as Wells gave him the run around. He also has to be held partially accountable for the first goal, as he should have realised Akpan was closely marked, he also lacked position discipline on occasion.
Shaun Cummings – 5 – I feel for Cummings, as he is a good defender, but cannot go forward on his left side. It was no surprise to see him brought off at half-time, as Obita offered more of an attacking outlet when he was there. In games where teams are going to sit back and let us attack, Cummings at left-back doesn`t work.
Jordan Obita – 6 – He didn`t look comfortable in central midfield in the first half, mainly because he had no time on the ball because of Huddersfield`s high pressing. However, he looked much more comfortable at left-back in the second half, which I believe his long-term future should remain.
Hope Akpan – 5 – After a good pre-season, I hoped (no pun intended) he would step up this season, but he still doesn`t seem capable of competing at this level. All of his passes are sideways or backwards, offering no penetration – he doesn`t have the confidence to do so. It was also his poor touch that led to the goal, albeit Hector takes some of the blame too.
Nick Blackman – 6 – The only player in the side that was going to make something happen, as he was the only one willing to take on players. He had our best chance of the half, but lacked composure. Very surprised to see him taken off on the hour mark, hopefully not an injury.
Simon Cox – 6 – I`m still not totally convinced about Cox yet, despite opening his Reading account with a good finish. He is meant to be playing the number ten role, but never seemed to play between the lines in midfield and rarely wanted the ball. His touch was also poor and too lightweight as well.
Jake Taylor – 5 – I feel for the academy lad, as it`s not as if he plays bad, he just doesn`t have the attributes to be a winger. It probably doesn`t help having Cummings behind him, meaning a lack of overlapping, but he was very anonymous and not for the first time this season.
Pavel Pogrebnyak – 5 – Another player who was fairly anonymous and had to feed off scraps all night, often being long balls, hardly any of which he won. I wouldn`t be surprised if the big Russian was slightly jaded, after playing every minute of every game so far this season.
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Aaron Kuhl – 7 – Probably our only positive to take away from this game, what a classy showing from the 18-year old on his professional debut. He was spraying the ball about with confidence and provided a good cross for a decent Cox chance. I know he is still a young lad, but he brings much more to the table than Akpan.
Jamie Mackie – 5 – Good to see him make his debut, but didn`t have enough time to make an impact. You could already see he is a player with great energy and desire to take his man on.
Craig Tanner – 5 – The academy graduate saw plenty of the ball, but unfortunately lacked the end product and seemed too eager to impress at times – it`s great to see him want to get on the ball and express himself though.
