Reading pulled off a fabulous win over the weekend against Championship favourites, Middlesbrough. There were many great performers and here are my ratings of the 13 that played.
Ali Al-Habsi 8-
Al-Habsi has been the subject of mass criticism since joining for Free this summer. Our second choice keeper had made three mistakes in just two appearances prior to Saturdays game and when he was brought in due to an injury to Bond, the Reading contingent were a bit worried. However, Ali produced a fine Goalkeeping performance, collecting crosses which takes pressure off your defenders and also making one top save from a Downing free kick. Hopefully this form continues.
Chris Gunter 8-
The ever reliable Chris Gunter was again solid as he played a big part in another Reading clean sheet. There aren’t many better Right Backs than Gunter at this level both defensively and going forward. Chris is a real asset to us and keeping him fit with be a huge plus in our season.
Paul McShane 8-
The Royals skipper is yet to have a bad game in a Blue and White and he was again warrior like at the back. McShane wins the majority of his arial duels and reads the game fantastically. He’s a joy to watch and if he carries on these performances, Reading have every chance of promotion.
Michael Hector 9-
Hector had one of his best ever games for Reading on Saturday against a top Boro attack. Michael read and dealt with everything that came his way, aswell as being so calm on the ball. His class is starting to show why Chelsea signed him and I bet they wish they didn’t loan him back.
Jordan Obita 8-
Obita at left back topped off a quite brilliant defensive display from The Royals on the weekend. Jordan kept Stuani quiet throughout and put in some lovely crosses at the other end as well. He has improved so much since the arrival of Taylor, who has given him much needed cover at left back. A great showing both at the back and going forward from the youngster.
Nick Blackman 8-
Blackman played in an unorthodox right midfield position as he was given a job to do on a strong Boro left hand side consisting of Friend and Downing. Steve Clarke said Nick’s penalty was a reward for his hard work in what wasn’t his favoured position. Despite not playing in his normal position, Blackman still showed his quality on numerous occasions with one moment of brilliant skill on the right.
Oliver Norwood 8-
Another great performance from Norwood in the heart of the midfield. Norwood sat in front of the back four and took as much pressure as possible off them by marking Fabbrini out of the game. His tackling and work rate have improved so much. Adding this on to his fantastic range of passing has made Norwood into a top top midfielder.
Danny Williams 8-
Williams’ early goal set the tone for the rest of the game. Danny didn’t stop from the word go and it was fabulous to see. His work rate is phenomenal and he drives throught the midfield time after time. He and Norwood have a great partnership in there.
Lucas Piazon 6-
I am still yet to be impressed by Piazon and he was probably the worst player on the pitch on Saturday. His physicality was way below the rest of the players and his touch let him down on more than one occasion. I’m hoping it was just one of those games for Piazon, but he wasn’t much better against Everton.
Hal Robson-Kanu 7.5-
HRK has finally got a bit of consistent form in. Playing in a favoured striking role, Kanu is showing glimpses of what he does for Wales and has done for us on rare occasions Another decent performances from Hal with an assist for the first goal the highlight. However, there were still some moments where he gave it away in dangerous areas with clever touches that were never going to work.
Orlando Sa 8-
Sa came back from a three match suspension and put in another good performance. Orlando’s hold up play and touches and turns are so impressive to watch. The only thing that was lacking was a goal. A massive step up on Pogrebnyak.
Aaron Tshibola 7-
Although he only played about 5 minutes, Tshibola impressed me. He was brought on to protect the back four just a tad more for the final moments and he did that in style. Nothing got passed the big man in midfield. He looks like he’s played at this level for years.
Ola John 7-
A good 20 minute cameo from John as he ran Nsue raged. John looks pacey, direct and clever. I’d certainly start him at home to Charlton on 17th October.
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