Reading 6 – 0 Arsenal

No, you haven`t just entered a bizarre parallel universe where the world class teams of the English League have been turned on their head. This happened, all be it a reserves score.

Reading Reserves named a strong side to face their Arsenal counterparts in the Barclays Premiership Reserve League game, the team included starters in the Premiership this season such as Shane Long, Stephen Hunt and Leroy Lita. Adam Federici made his debut in goal in light of Graham Stack`s loan departure to Leeds.

Meanwhile Arsenal fielded a very young side and suffered for it, the talented Brazilian youngster Denilson was involved as was Justin Hoyte`s brother Gavin and Armand Traore.

It took only half an hour for the Royals to go 3-0 up Shane Long bagging all three, with Leroy Lita having a hand in all three.

Apart from an early save from a Denilson shot, Federici was hardly troubled by Arsenal in the first half half.

Leroy Lita was wreaking havoc upon the inexperienced Arsenal defence and within three minutes of the second half starting the striker had set up James Henry for his first.

Henry went on to score twice more; his hat trick was sealed from the penalty spot after Jonathan Hayes was brought down by Arsenal skipper Matthew Connolly.

Federcici was forced into making his first real save late on after Marc Elston shot at the near post.

It was just what the doctor ordered for the first team squad players who have suffered from a bout of recent defeats in the league.

Leroy Lita and Shane Long were on top of their game and will both give Steve Coppell something to think about ahead of naming his starting eleven to face Liverpool on at Anfield on Saturday.