Reading FC Match Report: 2017/2018 Season - Championship
READING 3 NOTTM FOREST 1
Reading: J Swift (13), J Swift (70), J Smith (og, 78)
Nottm Forest: B Osborn (86)
The gloom which surrounded the Madejski Stadium following a poor performance and a defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough on Saturday was dispelled with an emphatic victory over a Forest side in the middle of a run of good results which has seen them climb in to the top half of the table. The Royals, in control of the game from the kick off, took an early lead with a well taken goal from Swift. Although Forest enjoyed the majority of the possession, Reading always looked in command and added two further goals in the second half before Osborn tucked away a consolation goal for Forest four minutes from full time.
Jaap Stam, needing to shake things up a bit after dire performance on Saturday, replaced Kelly, Beerens and Ilori with Bacuna, Edwards and Barrow and it worked a treat. Bacuna imposed himself on the game from the start. Playing at right back he had time and space to make forward runs and pick out passes through the Forest midfield to keep the visitors on the back foot. Collectively everyone was pressing and looking to get forward. Smith epitomised the determination in the side chasing back fifty yards into his own half to win back the ball and set up an attack. He was not alone in his desire to win possession and get at the Forest defence.
Forest were unable to cope in the opening stages and Reading had more strikes on target in the opening fifteen minutes than in the entire game against Boro. They were rewarded for their enterprise after thirteen minutes when Bacuna popped up on the left wing, and when released by a Barrow pass, he tore into the Forest box and picked out Swift who had intelligently held his run into the area. Swift stroked the ball past Smith with a composed finish. Forest tried to get back in to game and moved the ball around well at times but it was Reading that looked more threatening when they attacked. Bacuna's excellent cross reached Smith in the six yard box but the he was unable to get the contact required to head it home from close range. Bacuna then drew a good save from Smith with a fierce strike form the corner of the penalty area. Having been booed at full time on Saturday The Royals were deservedly applauded off at half time by a small but appreciative crowd.
Van den Berg received a head injury just before half time and was replaced by Clement who had an excellent game. His touch is superb and he passed the ball imaginatively. Forest did their utmost to get back into the game and Manone pulled of a string of very good saves to frustrate them. His reactions are very sharp and made some excellent reflex saves from close range. When Dowell drifted beyond the Reading back four he made and excellent stop coming off his line to narrow the angle. With Forest pushing forward they were vulnerable to Reading's pace on the break.
The second and crucial goal was also delightfully created, this time by Barrow lifting the ball delicately over the Forest defence to find Swift who again had timed his forward run to perfection to slide the ball past Smith. With only twenty minutes left a comeback looked unlikely. Eight minutes later Clement swept the ball out wide to Aluko who twisted and turned before firing in a low cross which ricocheted off ‘keeper Jordan Smith into his own net. For the first time in the league this season Reading had scored three and with only twelve minutes to play there was now no chance of a comeback. Osborn’s accurate shot inside the far post two minutes from time was probably deserved by Forest for their second half endeavours to get back in to contention, but a bit harsh on Manone who deserved a clean sheet for his display.
This was a very good performance all round from Reading. The passing was sharp and penetrative. Aluko, Swift, Barrow and Bacuna were eager to take players on. The work rate was phenomenal throughout the team when Forest had the ball. Everyone was prepared to put in a tackle or win the ball in the air. There were no weak links, but Moore in particular oozed confidence and looks destined to play at a higher level. We can only hope that might be with Reading!
John Wells
Post Match Fans' Opinion
NewCorkSeth
Well. That was good. Contrary to popular belief I didn't think Forest were poor, I think they were nullified. We closed down very well, pressed high and got stuck in when necessary. I have very few criticisms from tonight (but of course they exist..)
First player ratings:
Mannone - 8 - Deserved a clean sheet. 3 (by my count) fantastic saves. Commanding and composed.
Bacuna - 8 - I almost want to give him MOTM. He was incredible. Hes a better RB than Gunter...
McShane - 7 - Didn't put a foot wrong. Very good with his feet surprisingly.
Moore - 7 - Was a bit unfortunate to be very poorly positioned for the Forest goal. Maybe a lack of concentration.
Gunter - 7 - Pales in comparison to how fantastic Bacuna is. A better LB than RB.
Edwards - 6 - Anonymous and was poor compared to the players around him. (he does look a bit like Gunter from afar)
JVDB - 7(ish) - Was very good at protecting our back 4. A few wayward forward passes as per.
Barrow - 8 - Hes a very, very good player. Involved in the first and second goals. Needs to start EVERY game.
Aluko - 7 - Hes just not as good as Barrow. Was better than he has been and moved quite well (even drifted centrally with good effect)7
Swift - 9 - He just plays a different game to our other players. Looks languid but moves so well. 2 very well taken goals. MOTM (obv)
Smith - 6 - Was above average. I strongly believe those praising him for performing minor tasks well are kidding themselves. "He made good runs dragging defenders out of position" Even if that were true if that's the minimum requirement to impress as a striker in our team we should fold the club.
Subs:
Clement - 7 - He really put himself out there. Chased the ball like a Sheepdog. Good pass for the O.G.
Kermie - 7 - His header to Swift started the movement for Swifts second and after he charged up the pitch getting into the box then ran at his defender allowing Swift the room to move to the far post. He is a proper striker.
Beerens - N/A - Meh
Now.. Tactics.
Spot on. But only because Forest didn't park the bus from the offset. When teams play like that against us we will tear them apart. When they play like Boro we will look awful.
Aluko and Barrow should only ever be played on the wings. They are perfect there. They are fast, skillful and more than capable of spotting a pass or hitting a cross. We have found the bones of our best team. Stick with it.
Bacuna must start. He hasn't done much wrong this season (one bad pass this game close to the death)
Swift must start. Hes the only player we have capable of linking midfield to attack in a fast, direct way. He might try a few too many hollywood passes every game but more often than not his movement and ability on the ball creates something for us.
I thought we were very organised in in defense today. Our midfield did a very good job of closing down and with the high pressing we took the sting out of (almost) any attack that came our way tonight.
--------------------Mannone
Bacuna---McShane---Moore---Gunter
----------------JVDB-------Kelly---------------
Barrow------------Swift--------------Aluko
----------------------Smith---------------------
For Derby please. Same tactics. Look for that first goal and make them have to play.
Interesting factoids from Whoscored - They had higher possession, more shots, a higher pass success rate, more aerial duels won and the same number of tackles, corners and dribbles past...
First player ratings:
Mannone - 8 - Deserved a clean sheet. 3 (by my count) fantastic saves. Commanding and composed.
Bacuna - 8 - I almost want to give him MOTM. He was incredible. Hes a better RB than Gunter...
McShane - 7 - Didn't put a foot wrong. Very good with his feet surprisingly.
Moore - 7 - Was a bit unfortunate to be very poorly positioned for the Forest goal. Maybe a lack of concentration.
Gunter - 7 - Pales in comparison to how fantastic Bacuna is. A better LB than RB.
Edwards - 6 - Anonymous and was poor compared to the players around him. (he does look a bit like Gunter from afar)
JVDB - 7(ish) - Was very good at protecting our back 4. A few wayward forward passes as per.
Barrow - 8 - Hes a very, very good player. Involved in the first and second goals. Needs to start EVERY game.
Aluko - 7 - Hes just not as good as Barrow. Was better than he has been and moved quite well (even drifted centrally with good effect)7
Swift - 9 - He just plays a different game to our other players. Looks languid but moves so well. 2 very well taken goals. MOTM (obv)
Smith - 6 - Was above average. I strongly believe those praising him for performing minor tasks well are kidding themselves. "He made good runs dragging defenders out of position" Even if that were true if that's the minimum requirement to impress as a striker in our team we should fold the club.
Subs:
Clement - 7 - He really put himself out there. Chased the ball like a Sheepdog. Good pass for the O.G.
Kermie - 7 - His header to Swift started the movement for Swifts second and after he charged up the pitch getting into the box then ran at his defender allowing Swift the room to move to the far post. He is a proper striker.
Beerens - N/A - Meh
Now.. Tactics.
Spot on. But only because Forest didn't park the bus from the offset. When teams play like that against us we will tear them apart. When they play like Boro we will look awful.
Aluko and Barrow should only ever be played on the wings. They are perfect there. They are fast, skillful and more than capable of spotting a pass or hitting a cross. We have found the bones of our best team. Stick with it.
Bacuna must start. He hasn't done much wrong this season (one bad pass this game close to the death)
Swift must start. Hes the only player we have capable of linking midfield to attack in a fast, direct way. He might try a few too many hollywood passes every game but more often than not his movement and ability on the ball creates something for us.
I thought we were very organised in in defense today. Our midfield did a very good job of closing down and with the high pressing we took the sting out of (almost) any attack that came our way tonight.
--------------------Mannone
Bacuna---McShane---Moore---Gunter
----------------JVDB-------Kelly---------------
Barrow------------Swift--------------Aluko
----------------------Smith---------------------
For Derby please. Same tactics. Look for that first goal and make them have to play.
Interesting factoids from Whoscored - They had higher possession, more shots, a higher pass success rate, more aerial duels won and the same number of tackles, corners and dribbles past...
Hound
Would agree with a lot of that - esp the praise of Bacuna and Barrow
Swift my mom obviously, but Barrow, Bacuna and Mannone were top class
Bacuna is fast becoming my favourite player. Makes so much difference to us. And Gunter did ok as LB inc a couple of half decent shots
I thought Edwards was pretty good - though tbf do struggle at times to make out who is who after a day staring at a computer screen, so maybe giving him some undue praise.
Forest were a good side. Enjoyed watching them tbh. Though do think they played into our hands. They’d have beaten us comfortably if we had lined up like we did vs Boro
Nice to see Yann looking fit and energetic. Will improve us massively when he gets a few games behind him.
Swift my mom obviously, but Barrow, Bacuna and Mannone were top class
Bacuna is fast becoming my favourite player. Makes so much difference to us. And Gunter did ok as LB inc a couple of half decent shots
I thought Edwards was pretty good - though tbf do struggle at times to make out who is who after a day staring at a computer screen, so maybe giving him some undue praise.
Forest were a good side. Enjoyed watching them tbh. Though do think they played into our hands. They’d have beaten us comfortably if we had lined up like we did vs Boro
Nice to see Yann looking fit and energetic. Will improve us massively when he gets a few games behind him.
RG7Fan
And if Obita was fit Gunter could find himself out in the cold with Bacuna at RB. Interesting that Gunter has been picked as LB ahead of Blackett 3 times now I think?
Oh yeah - and that was the most enjoyable game I've been to this season. Don't think anyone had a bad game - Edwards was a bit anonymous, and Joey was lucky not to give a penalty away (again) but cant really remember anything else worth shouting about.
stanmoreroyal
Tempo!
43% possession win 3-1 with counter- attacking goals, end to end entertaining football. Still to many pointless back passes to goal keeper but hugely improved performance which played to the players strengths. They didn't look scared to take a player on tonight. Better structure to the line up and ambition in the passing and moving. But tempo is the key difference to both the entertainment levels and the result.
Let us hope Stam continues to allow the players to express themselves. It wasn't just the way Forest played as he claimed. The players were looking to pores forward far more quickly than against Boro. Scoring first really helps: but so does allowing the opposition to have the ball, draw them out and create space for our speedy winners to run into!
More of the same please!
43% possession win 3-1 with counter- attacking goals, end to end entertaining football. Still to many pointless back passes to goal keeper but hugely improved performance which played to the players strengths. They didn't look scared to take a player on tonight. Better structure to the line up and ambition in the passing and moving. But tempo is the key difference to both the entertainment levels and the result.
Let us hope Stam continues to allow the players to express themselves. It wasn't just the way Forest played as he claimed. The players were looking to pores forward far more quickly than against Boro. Scoring first really helps: but so does allowing the opposition to have the ball, draw them out and create space for our speedy winners to run into!
More of the same please!
Royal_jimmy
That was much better tonight and a tactically astute performance and definitely deserved to win. I thought they created a lot of chances easily against us which was a concern. The difference being Mannone made saves that matter, their keeper Smith had a shocker and should have done better with 2 of our goals. Mannone had no chance with their goal.
MoM was Swift for me. Bacuna, Mannone, Moore and McShane had decent games. The rest were ok.
3 wins in November vs Bolton, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday should see us well clear of the bottom 3.
I'd play the same side Saturday. Expecting Kermie will start and VdB may be out for a couple of weeks so Kelly might play.
Was surprised Kelly wasn't on the bench. The forced sub for Clement when van den Berg went off meant we were overrun a bit in the 2nd half.
MoM was Swift for me. Bacuna, Mannone, Moore and McShane had decent games. The rest were ok.
3 wins in November vs Bolton, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday should see us well clear of the bottom 3.
I'd play the same side Saturday. Expecting Kermie will start and VdB may be out for a couple of weeks so Kelly might play.
Was surprised Kelly wasn't on the bench. The forced sub for Clement when van den Berg went off meant we were overrun a bit in the 2nd half.
leon
We actually looked quick and dangerous. And more direct. So much more direct. Aluko and Barrow playing as wingers linked well with Bacuna and Gunter. Swift ran the show in the first half - second half they got tighter in midfield but we still hit them with two goals and never looked in trouble at all.
Bacuna has to start every game he was quick, strong, didn't lose possession and what a run for the first goal, Barrow and Swift (who looked back to his last season best) also stood out. And Joey was excellent 1st half until he got a blow to the head and "couldn't see properly".
All in all, this performance was a massive surprise for me. A really welcome one.
oh and
at the HT leon quote NCS - you cheeky scamp. Smith did well. He'll get better every game.genome
Forest were a tidy side. Their defence let them down and looked like they lacked a focal point up front a bit tonight, but they played some decent stuff. Tactically though, it wasn’t the right approach and played right into our strengths. Can’t remember the last time we had so little possession at home.
NewCorkSeth
We actually looked quick and dangerous. And more direct. So much more direct. Aluko and Barrow playing as wingers linked well with Bacuna and Gunter. Swift ran the show in the first half - second half they got tighter in midfield but we still hit them with two goals and never looked in trouble at all.
Bacuna has to start every game he was quick, strong, didn't lose possession and what a run for the first goal, Barrow and Swift (who looked back to his last season best) also stood out. And Joey was excellent 1st half until he got a blow to the head and "couldn't see properly".
All in all, this performance was a massive surprise for me. A really welcome one.
oh and
at the HT leon quote NCS - you cheeky scamp. Smith did well. He'll get better every game.You may see I picked him to start for next game as I have seen nothing to suggest he is worse than any of our other options (cough Aluko cough) but I maintain that the predictions made by certain nobbers as to why he was on the bench and not being brought on or starting are shown to be accurate. He's been thrown in at the deep end here and is not ready to lead the line (but obviously he will have to for the time being)
I hope Joey is ok and completely agree with the point that we would have been stronger with him in for the second half, particularly the first 10 or so minutes when forest had long periods of possession.
Gunny Fishcake
Well what a lovely surprise , not sure if we were great or Forest crap. Take nothing away though .....we actually attacked Forest from the start and it payed off handsomely. Swift was outstanding as was Mannone in goal . A result that puts a smile on your face , shame such a small crowd to see our best performance for ages . Stam will be ok for a while I guess but tough games coming up .
leon
We actually looked quick and dangerous. And more direct. So much more direct. Aluko and Barrow playing as wingers linked well with Bacuna and Gunter. Swift ran the show in the first half - second half they got tighter in midfield but we still hit them with two goals and never looked in trouble at all.
Bacuna has to start every game he was quick, strong, didn't lose possession and what a run for the first goal, Barrow and Swift (who looked back to his last season best) also stood out. And Joey was excellent 1st half until he got a blow to the head and "couldn't see properly".
All in all, this performance was a massive surprise for me. A really welcome one.
oh and
at the HT leon quote NCS - you cheeky scamp. Smith did well. He'll get better every game.You may see I picked him to start for next game as I have seen nothing to suggest he is worse than any of our other options (cough Aluko cough) but I maintain that the predictions made by certain nobbers as to why he was on the bench and not being brought on or starting are shown to be accurate. He's been thrown in at the deep end here and is not ready to lead the line (but obviously he will have to for the time being)
I hope Joey is ok and completely agree with the point that we would have been stronger with him in for the second half, particularly the first 10 or so minutes when forest had long periods of possession.
as I have pointed out elsewhere - playing Smith frees up others to play in their proper positions to great effect.
And actually I thought he had a decent game. Looks lively and will improve. And with Yann still coming back (unable to play 90 mins) and Bodvarsson out - you know I'll take a kid learning his trade up front if the side is more balanced and we play OK.
Snowflake Royal
Forest weren't great but no worse than anyone else we've slipped up against. We played well and it went our way for a change. Our chances were better and taken, we blocked or saved their efforts.
My scores may get a bit wonky as my contacts were playing up, so player identification got tricky at times.
Mannone 9 best I've seen him play. Good saves kept us ahead
Bacuna 9 he's so classy
Gunter 7 struggled a bit at times being on the wrong side, but played more positively.
Moore 8 classy
McShane 8 what a block
Berg 7 mostly good stuff in his half
Swift 9 well taken goals, inventive as always - needs to show a bit more a bit earlier
Edwards 7 solid performance and took over from Berg ok 2nd half
Aluko 8 very skillful nice to get his first goal, even if the keeper essentially threw it in.
Barrow 9 I think he made both the first two? Played Bacuna down the left and lofted beautifully for Swift. Got to start as much as possible
Smith 6 put himself about really well, but didn't look like he'd be troubling a fit Yann or Bod. One for the future
Clement 6 tidy player, but we went a bit powderpuff when he replaced Berg - he can't help that though, he's just not a direct replacement.
Kermie 6 great to see him back, but didn't get much to do
Beerens 6 probably should havecrun to the corner with at one break. Good cameo
Fooking delighted. Not only a win but 3 goals. Kick on please. The squad is definitely good enough. Just got to play with purpose and cut out the errors.
My scores may get a bit wonky as my contacts were playing up, so player identification got tricky at times.
Mannone 9 best I've seen him play. Good saves kept us ahead
Bacuna 9 he's so classy
Gunter 7 struggled a bit at times being on the wrong side, but played more positively.
Moore 8 classy
McShane 8 what a block
Berg 7 mostly good stuff in his half
Swift 9 well taken goals, inventive as always - needs to show a bit more a bit earlier
Edwards 7 solid performance and took over from Berg ok 2nd half
Aluko 8 very skillful nice to get his first goal, even if the keeper essentially threw it in.
Barrow 9 I think he made both the first two? Played Bacuna down the left and lofted beautifully for Swift. Got to start as much as possible
Smith 6 put himself about really well, but didn't look like he'd be troubling a fit Yann or Bod. One for the future
Clement 6 tidy player, but we went a bit powderpuff when he replaced Berg - he can't help that though, he's just not a direct replacement.
Kermie 6 great to see him back, but didn't get much to do
Beerens 6 probably should havecrun to the corner with at one break. Good cameo
Fooking delighted. Not only a win but 3 goals. Kick on please. The squad is definitely good enough. Just got to play with purpose and cut out the errors.
Platypuss
Great tempo from the off and a willingness to attack with pace. And we actually managed to break when the opportunity arose.
And it was a genuinely exciting game.
But still so many passengers.
Aluko - hasn't really defined his role
Edwards - beige wood chip wallpaper
Clement - what's the Dutch for beige?
Beerens - what's the Dutch for fcuk off?
We'd shown in the first 60 that the way to undo Forest was with pace, so we finished with Beerens, Clement and Kermie.
Did Popa shit in Stam's kitbag?
And it was a genuinely exciting game.
But still so many passengers.
Aluko - hasn't really defined his role
Edwards - beige wood chip wallpaper
Clement - what's the Dutch for beige?
Beerens - what's the Dutch for fcuk off?
We'd shown in the first 60 that the way to undo Forest was with pace, so we finished with Beerens, Clement and Kermie.
Did Popa shit in Stam's kitbag?
leon
I can't disagree with any of that. Apart from criticism of Aluko. He looked pretty good tonight, sharp, quick and worked hard.
Beerens shouldn't be anywhere near the team, he offers nothing except slowing the game down and Edwards - I don't know why we bought him. I'm assuming he's getting a game because we have no other fit central midfielders?
Clement got the ball and gave it away. Looked as if everything else was happening around him but so much quicker.
Hound
Yeah is an odd one. Though they generally said he was quite a good RB
Thought he was outstanding tbh. Just what we need
Thought Clement did ok. Ran around a lot very quickly(he is lightning fast), set up the third, and almost another for Barrow (though wasn’t a great pass). I quite like him and Swift as attacking midfielders
Also agree on Beerens - Popa should be ahead of him as replacement for Barrow/Aluko when needed
Basingstoke Royal
The main differences were that we closed down the opposition much quicker than normal and moved the ball faster.
Agree with most of the ratings. Thought aluko was poor first half. His confidence looked shot and he constantly passed backwards rather than running at his man. Second half looked much better.
I thought Edwards did a good job. Nothing stand out but won headers, broke up forest attacks and worked really hard doing the ugly things.
Bacuna - different class and MOM.
Agree with most of the ratings. Thought aluko was poor first half. His confidence looked shot and he constantly passed backwards rather than running at his man. Second half looked much better.
I thought Edwards did a good job. Nothing stand out but won headers, broke up forest attacks and worked really hard doing the ugly things.
Bacuna - different class and MOM.
CountryRoyal
But conventional wisdom says that there's no way a shit DoF like Tevreden could possibly sign them for £3m combined.
I like Bacuna. There's a drive and purpose to most of what he does, he's strong, agile, technically good and all with a bit of grit.
Both Bacuna and Barrow have been head and shoulders above their performances at their respective previous clubs, though in Barrow's case it could be a case of loan spells where he want often utilised.
Bacuna's performance yesterday was absolutely class. Consistently made the right decisions and has the technical ability to back up his conposure.
One of my biggest gripes about the way we play is that too often we panick in our defensive third and hoof it away when there is a fairly simple outlet available to start another attack. Whilst it's better than conceding it invariably gives possesion back to the opposition and stifles our attacking capabilities. It builds pressure on the back line and eventually we concede.
What Bacuna did is how I expect us to defend, regain possession, have the awareness of where your team mates are and then play a simple pass and go from there.
Hound
But conventional wisdom says that there's no way a shit DoF like Tevreden could possibly sign them for £3m combined.
I like Bacuna. There's a drive and purpose to most of what he does, he's strong, agile, technically good and all with a bit of grit.
Both Bacuna and Barrow have been head and shoulders above their performances at their respective previous clubs, though in Barrow's case it could be a case of loan spells where he want often utilised.
Bacuna's performance yesterday was absolutely class. Consistently made the right decisions and has the technical ability to back up his conposure.
One of my biggest gripes about the way we play is that too often we panick in our defensive third and hoof it away when there is a fairly simple outlet available to start another attack. Whilst it's better than conceding it invariably gives possesion back to the opposition and stifles our attacking capabilities. It builds pressure on the back line and eventually we concede.
What Bacuna did is how I expect us to defend, regain possession, have the awareness of where your team mates are and then play a simple pass and go from there.
have a similar but slightly different gripe, and that is that we panic and go back to the keeper - which half the time causes more trouble anyway. Quite a few times yesterday the backpasses look very short. I don't think we hoofed it forward very often at all.
We should on occasion look to quickly change tact and hit a few balls long in the channels or up to the #9. Presuming we will do this when Yann or Dadi are back
Get your point about Bacuna though. Constantly kept a cool head and got us moving again.
oh_ROAR
Without doubt the best performance I've seen this season.
As mentioned by everyone else Baccuna, Barrow, Mannone and Swift all quality, probably the best game I've seen Aluko have as well.
Not sure what Edwards brings apart from scoring the occasional header.
Baccuna played like a man possessed, loved it after Swifts first he was straight over to the fans celebrating.
If Swift keeps in this form like the start of last season he'll be the first name on the team sheet.
Nice to see we don't have to have 4000 passes between the CB's to win and look good.
As mentioned by everyone else Baccuna, Barrow, Mannone and Swift all quality, probably the best game I've seen Aluko have as well.
Not sure what Edwards brings apart from scoring the occasional header.
Baccuna played like a man possessed, loved it after Swifts first he was straight over to the fans celebrating.
If Swift keeps in this form like the start of last season he'll be the first name on the team sheet.
Nice to see we don't have to have 4000 passes between the CB's to win and look good.
winchester_royal
Aluko frustrates me because I think technically he's a very very good player, but at the moment he seems to be lacking the confidence to drive forward with the ball and instead is constantly going backwards and not really affecting the game (polar opposite to Barrow).
Not sure if this is a deliberate tactic on Stam's part (wouldn't surprise me) or a confidence issue but if it's the latter then hopefully his goal yesterday will do the world of good, and you could tell from the other player's reaction how much it meant to them as a group that he's off the mark.
Aside from that, excellent performance based around fast, direct wing play - just what the Reading fans want to see.
Not sure if this is a deliberate tactic on Stam's part (wouldn't surprise me) or a confidence issue but if it's the latter then hopefully his goal yesterday will do the world of good, and you could tell from the other player's reaction how much it meant to them as a group that he's off the mark.
Aside from that, excellent performance based around fast, direct wing play - just what the Reading fans want to see.
NewCorkSeth
Both Bacuna and Barrow have been head and shoulders above their performances at their respective previous clubs, though in Barrow's case it could be a case of loan spells where he want often utilised.
Bacuna's performance yesterday was absolutely class. Consistently made the right decisions and has the technical ability to back up his conposure.
One of my biggest gripes about the way we play is that too often we panick in our defensive third and hoof it away when there is a fairly simple outlet available to start another attack. Whilst it's better than conceding it invariably gives possesion back to the opposition and stifles our attacking capabilities. It builds pressure on the back line and eventually we concede.
What Bacuna did is how I expect us to defend, regain possession, have the awareness of where your team mates are and then play a simple pass and go from there.
have a similar but slightly different gripe, and that is that we panic and go back to the keeper - which half the time causes more trouble anyway. Quite a few times yesterday the backpasses look very short. I don't think we hoofed it forward very often at all.
We should on occasion look to quickly change tact and hit a few balls long in the channels or up to the #9. Presuming we will do this when Yann or Dadi are back
Get your point about Bacuna though. Constantly kept a cool head and got us moving again.
On your gripe I believe I have an answer.
Tactically we are set up to use the GK as an extra pair of feet in our own 3rd. He is there to drag opposition front men forward and shift the ball across the pitch safely. At a stretch he is to be passed to in times of pressure to ensure we retain possession. We have, in many games, been so poor that the passes back look panicked and make it seem (possibly rightly) that we have no team plan or that the players are not on the same wave length. Mannone is very good using this tactic. He is calm on the ball and a very capable passer with good distribution up field and the completely right attitude to calm the defense.
Where we have gone wrong using this tactic is that often we are too slow in reacting to the opposition positional change and I would put this on our midfield. Man City use the same tactic but obviously have such incredible players that they can stretch a team out with 4-5 passes in their own third then rush the ball up field in 2-3 passes and score. We are not far off being able to do that with Swift fit. Having that "enganche" is completely necessary for our style of play and we foolishly kept the same tactics without a suitable player.
Bacuna as well enables us to turn possession in our half into an attack very quickly with his direct running and physicality. He blew past a forest player when making his run. I dont think anyone else in our team is capable of that. Hes the perfect balance of quick and strong and will make a huge difference to our attacking style if kept fit and at RB.
I think going forward a lot of the passes we see going back to Mannone will be more obviously assisting our passage of play.
Tilehurstsouthbank
Wow! Where did that come from?! Great feeling to walk away from the Mad Stad not only with three points, but a genuinely good performance.
My ratings:
Mannone- 8 Some top draw saves and could do nothing for Forest's well struck consolation
Bacuna- 9 Superb runs down the right, excellent positional awareness and solid defending
McShane- 7 Solid, tidy and kept his cool
Moore- 7 Considering he played with stitches in his bonce he still won the majority of his headers
Gunter- 7 Looked determined to score against his former employers in the first half and is looking more than comfortable in an unfamiliar LB/LWB role
Barrow- 8 Great play with Swift for Reading's second and made plenty of positive runs
VDB- 7 one of his better games until his injury. We missed that holding presence second half
Edwards- A quiet game for the former 'Old Gold' but won his fair share of ariel duels and kept things ticking over with a neat short game
Aluko- 8 By far his best game in the Blue & White. Looked lively and did his fair share of pressing and defending. Was his goal btw as the shot was on target, just squirmed under the keepers' body
Swift- 9 MOTM Looked back to his incisive best. Two good finishes, inventive play and good attacking threat
Smith- 6 Felt a bit sorry for the lad. Looked lively, but got bullied by Forest defenders. Could use a L1/2 loan when we get Bod and Yan both fit plus another CF in Jan
Subs:
Clemment- 7 Looked quick neat and inventive. Could be a good second option as deep striker if Swift gets injured
Kermy- 6 Didn't have more than 30 minutes, but it's good to see him putting himself about again although I did shit a brick when he went down looking injured!
Beerens- N/A Not enough time for a rating but who is he sucking off to get on ahead of Popa?
My ratings:
Mannone- 8 Some top draw saves and could do nothing for Forest's well struck consolation
Bacuna- 9 Superb runs down the right, excellent positional awareness and solid defending
McShane- 7 Solid, tidy and kept his cool
Moore- 7 Considering he played with stitches in his bonce he still won the majority of his headers
Gunter- 7 Looked determined to score against his former employers in the first half and is looking more than comfortable in an unfamiliar LB/LWB role
Barrow- 8 Great play with Swift for Reading's second and made plenty of positive runs
VDB- 7 one of his better games until his injury. We missed that holding presence second half
Edwards- A quiet game for the former 'Old Gold' but won his fair share of ariel duels and kept things ticking over with a neat short game
Aluko- 8 By far his best game in the Blue & White. Looked lively and did his fair share of pressing and defending. Was his goal btw as the shot was on target, just squirmed under the keepers' body
Swift- 9 MOTM Looked back to his incisive best. Two good finishes, inventive play and good attacking threat
Smith- 6 Felt a bit sorry for the lad. Looked lively, but got bullied by Forest defenders. Could use a L1/2 loan when we get Bod and Yan both fit plus another CF in Jan
Subs:
Clemment- 7 Looked quick neat and inventive. Could be a good second option as deep striker if Swift gets injured
Kermy- 6 Didn't have more than 30 minutes, but it's good to see him putting himself about again although I did shit a brick when he went down looking injured!
Beerens- N/A Not enough time for a rating but who is he sucking off to get on ahead of Popa?
This Championship game took place 2578 days ago in the 2017/2018 season.