How they rated

RAFAEL CABRAL

Nothing he could have done to prevent the goals after two wonder strikes from Watford’s Ismaila Sarr.

LEWIS GIBSON

Really struggled up against Sarr who had the beating of him on several occasions and was a thorn in the side of the Royals throughout.

LIAM MOORE

Showed great commitment with several important tackles and blocks to prevent Watford from having many clear cut chances after the two early goals.

TOM HOLMES

Slotted in well in the absence of Michael Morrison and made plenty of clearances and tackles.

ANDY YIADOM

Went on a superb run towards the end of the first-half that almost led to a goal. A solid performance.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Looked less composed than usual and had to play most of the second-half on a booking after hauling back Sarr on the halfway line.

JOSH LAURENT

Almost gifted Watford a third after playing a blind back pass that was nearly pounced upon by Joao Pedro.

OVIE EJARIA

Equally as effective as Olise with his dribbles in the Watford half but did lack a bit of cutting edge in the final third.

MICHAEL OLISE

Another outstanding display. Got Reading going in attack with some excellent dribbles in the Watford half and created some great chances for his teammates.

YAKOU MEITE

Missed a glaring chance at the end of the first-half when he lashed a shot into the side netting one-on-one with the keeper.

GEORGE PUSCAS

Struck the post from just a few yards out as the Royals somehow failed to capitalise on one of their several chances in the opening 45.

SUBSTITUTES

Lucas João 5, Omar Richards 5, Sone Aluko n/a, Sam Baldock n/a