How they rated

SAM WALKER: Relatively untroubled but made a good save to deny Chris Martin at 2-0. However, was fortunate a first-half fumble went unpunished due to an offside flag – 6

TIAGO ILORI: Deployed in an unfamiliar full-back role but did not disappoint and produced a couple of vital last ditch challenges – 7

JOHN O’SHEA: Countless headed clearances and a nononsense performance, but a lack of pace caught him out leading to an 83rd minute red card – 7

LIAM MOORE: Responded well to a disappointing night

against Norwich with a solid defensive display – 7

ANDY YIADOM: Deservedly bagged his first Royals goal and also provided an assist in a dynamic attacking showing from left-back – 8* (star man)

SAEID EZATOLAHI: Claimed an assist for the opener and offered real presence in midfield. Understandably tired as the game wore on and began conceding possession, but a solid debut – 7

LEANDRO BACUNA: A busy display in midfield, given the license to push further forwards with protection from Ezatolahi behind. Delivered brilliant set pieces all game which led to the opening goal – 8

LIAM KELLY: An improved display alongside two hardworking midfielders, allowing him to pick passes and dictate play better than recent weeks – 7

JOSH SIMS: Finally handed a first Reading start and did not disappoint. A constant threat running with the ball down the right flank and deserves to keep his spot – 8

SAM BALDOCK: Showed good reactions to net the opening goal on four minutes and put in a shift for the team out on the left wing before being subbed – 7

JON DADI BODVARSSON: Brought back into the starting line-up and took his season’s goal tally to five with a composed finish. A typically hard-working display and should keep his spot next week – 8

SUBS:

JOHN SWIFT: Looked after the ball well and offers a good

quality option off the bench – 6

MO BARROW: Made an instant impact from the bench,

playing a key role in the second goal –7

CHRIS GUNTER: Introduced to see the game out in the final

five minutes – n/a