Reading 3-1 Peterborough United: Player Ratings

Luke Southwood: 7

A really impressive first league start of the season for Southwood. Produced a couple of really good saves in the first half - the second of which was particularly eye catching - and, all in all, looked assured, confident and at home in the Championship.

Andy Yiadom: 7

I thought Yids was really good tonight and a constant threat down the right-hand side going forward. He was given the unenviable task of having to deal with the lively Dembele, but, after a few shaky moments in the first half, kept him quiet in the second half. A few good, meaty challenges too which are always nice to see.

Michael Morrison: 6

Let’s be honest, Morro hasn’t been the same since the hamstring injury he suffered against Blackburn Rovers last season. Tonight, again, he looked a bit off the pace. A few silly fouls, and not enough urgency in possession. It was a better performance defensively, but still clearly a lot of work to do.

Liam Moore: 5

For some reason Pauno switched Morro and Moore tonight and played Moore on the right-hand side of the two centre backs. I could see that he looked a bit lost at times as we struggled to get a real foothold in the game in the first half. Hobbled off just before half time for Holmes, and could be seen on crutches at full time. Not good news at all. We just can’t catch a break, can we?

Baba Rahman: 6

He hasn't fully settled in just yet, but it’s already clear to see the difference playing an actual left back at left back has on the team. He looked solid enough defensively and he has clearly got quality on the ball too. I’m definitely excited to see what more he can bring to the team going forward.

Josh Laurent: 6

A solid enough showing from Laurent tonight. I think we always want a little bit more from him purely down the high standards he set himself last season. But went about his business as he normally does, looked comfortable on the ball and snuffed out a couple of dangerous moments too.

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 8

In the first half, much like the rest of his team mates, I actually thought TDB was pretty sloppy and gave the ball away far too often. However, in the second half he came to life. His first goal was a gorgeous touch and finish into the corner, before he sealed all three points with a beauty into the top corner (although I am adamant it took a deflection, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt).

John Swift: 8

What else needs to be said that hasn’t already been said about Swifty this season? He’s just been on another level to any other Reading player so far this season, and perhaps any other player in the entire league. He continued his fine form tonight with an absolute pearler of a free kick to open the scoring, as well as bagging an assist for TDB’s second. We’re very, very lucky to have him.

Alen Halilovic: 6

Wasn’t anywhere near as influential as he was on Saturday against QPR, in fact I thought he was pretty poor in the opening 45 minutes. But, then again, so were the rest of the team so I can’t single him out for that. Not really his night, but went close with a deflected effort in the first half and was industrious enough down the right-hand side.

George Puscas: 7

Whisper it quietly, but I think George might be starting to find his feet. He was, yet again, a handful tonight for the opposition defence. His hold-up play was really impressive, and he made some really good runs in behind the Posh defence, one of which led to a well-deserved assist for the Romanian when he found TDB in the area. All he needs now is that goal to really kickstart his season.

Ovie Ejaria: 5

He looks a bit off the pace really, doesn’t he? And that’s fair enough considering he's only recently recovered from Covid and was coming straight off the back of a full 90 minutes on Saturday. Began to get into his flow a bit more after the break, but we all know that Ovie can - and will - move up a few gears. Only knocked down to a 5 due to being beaten at the back post a little too easily for Peterborough’s goal.

Subs

Tom Holmes: 6

Tom was introduced just before half time for the injured Skipper, and looked pretty comfortable actually during his circa 45 minutes on the pitch. Look assured on the ball (much more so than his partner Morrison) and came up with a couple of handy pieces of defending, including one last-ditch interception that prevented Johnston Clarke-Harris a golden chance to score.

Junior Hoilett: 5

Came on for Halilovic straight after Swfity’s free kick and slotted in on the right wing. Settled us down in possession nicely a few times, but didn’t really do anything of real note, nor did he do anything disastrously bad.

Dejan Tetek: N/A

Replaced Ovie after TDB’s second to help see out the game. Wasn’t really on the pitch to make a huge difference however.

Average: 6.3/10

Who was your man of the match against Peterborough United? Vote in the poll below, or if it doesn’t show up, click this link.