Rodriguez sinks old boss Nigel
READING 0, SOUTHAMPTON 2
ANY remaining hope that Reading had of beating the drop appeared to be extinguished as Nigel Adkins’ first home match at the helm ended in defeat to his former club.
Another inspired performance from Jay Rodriguez proved the difference at the Madejski Stadium as Saints ran out comfortable winners, condemning the Royals to a seventh successive defeat.
Rodriguez bundled home the opener before rattling the crossbar as half-time approached.
The 23-year-old then turned provider in the second half as he sent a perfectly-weighted ball to substitute Adam Lallana, who slotted home to push Adkins closer to the drop.
It was no less than Mauricio Pochettino’s side deserved, but Reading thought they had pulled one back through Adam Le Fondre. Artur Boruc spilled the forward’s header, but was adjudged to have just stopped the ball crossing the line.
NORWICH 2, SWANSEA 2
NORWICH failed to distance themselves from the Premier League relegation battle after Luke Moore rescued a point for Swansea at Carrow Road.
Suicidal defending at both ends contributed to an entertaining afternoon that could have seen either team finish winners, with the most frenzied action unfolding during a rollercoaster second half.
Norwich pegged back Michu’s opener with goals from Robert Snodgrass and Michael Turner that appeared to have secured three important points to ease their relegation concerns.
But Moore had the final say 15 minutes from time, denying the Canaries their third Premier League victory since December.
Norwich substitute Grant Holt was lucky to escape punishment for a nasty challenge on Chico Flores which saw him stamp on the defender’s shin, while Michu missed a glorious chance to win it for Swansea in stoppage time.