Vital Reading looks at the players’ individual performances from the 3-2 victory against Millwall on Tuesday night.
Vital Reading looks at the players’ individual performances from the 3-2 victory against Millwall on Tuesday night.
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Adam Federici – 7 – Would have been a higher rating if he didn`t make the mistake for Millwall`s second goal. Despite that, he made some fine saves and it was his great kicking technique that set Cox away for his first goal.
Chris Gunter – 6 – After a decent start to the season, his form has been sketchy in recent games. It seemed like he was targeted in the first half, as Malone and Odyenima were getting joy against him; he did improve in the second half though.
Michael Hector – 6 – A tougher game for the young centre-half than Saturday, who did struggle at times with the physicality of Fuller. It was unfortunately his lapse too that allowed Fuller to score his goal, as he lost the big man.
Alex Pearce – 7 – Good solid game from Pearcey, who is still excelling with Morrison gone. He looked very comfortable on the ball and in the tackle.
Jordan Obita – 6 – It was a huge contrast compared to Fulham on Saturday, as Obita had no space to exploit on the left. He did his defensive duties comfortably enough, but struggled to have an influence going forward.
Oliver Norwood – 7 – The midfielder didn`t have the same influence he had against Fulham (seeing a trend?), but still showed moments of class with his long-range passing. He has been criticised in the past for his tackling, but seems more than happy to get his foot in when necessary.
Hope Akpan – 8 – Very easily his best game of the season and possibly in a Reading shirt. His passing was sharp and his constant harrying in midfield really complements Norwood. If he keeps us this form, we will miss the likes of Karacan and Williams less.
Jamie Mackie – 6 – Moments of promise, but not the desired end product from the on-loan Forest man. His work rate was once again superb though.
Simon Cox – 8 – Man of the Match – A great performance from the local lad, who looked very effective, irrespective of his two goals. He showed great strength and technique for his first goal, while his second was certainly not as complicated.
Nick Blackman – 7 – It was good to see him back in the starting XI and on the scoresheet too, winning a penalty with some fancy footwork and scoring the spot kick. I`m not sure if he was as effective on the left-side, but still a good game from Blackman.
Glenn Murray – 6 – Dunne and Beevers gave a harder test for Murray than on Saturday, but still had a few good chances in the first half. Certainly not a bad game though, as there are signs of a good partnership forming between him and Cox.
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Jake Taylor showed a few good touches in the middle of the park and his flick for the winning goal was crucial. Ryan Edwards looked energetic, but looked a little too eager to impress, while Jake Cooper was thrown on to see the game out.
