Reading vs Villa: Player Ratings

This wasn’t good. Here are your ratings. SHOVEL THEM DOWN LIKE THAT SHITSHOWER OF FOOTBALL.

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Here are the full player ratings -- based on a scale of 1 to 10, with five being average and not a bad rating at all

GK: Sam Johnstone, Rating: 5

Saved Villa’s blushes in the first half with some commanding stops, but like his centre-backs, he was caught ball-watching and didn’t react to Reading’s goal at all.

RB: Ritchie De Laet, Rating: 3

Considering it’s his first full game coming back from injury, Ritchie didn’t too too badly until he gave away the ball on the flank that lead up to Reading’s goal. At least there wasn’t a total collapse on the right side, which is what Alan Hutton brings. Still, RDL staying back didn’t help. Was subbed off for Hutton, so you can guess how his night went.

CB: James Chester, Rating: 4

Despite Villa putting 11 men behind the ball, Chester and Terry were under so much pressure throughout the game. That showed when Reading’s goal floated past the pair. Chester was also caught out pressing when he ran to claim a ball which Modou Barrow slammed into the net for Reading’s second goal.

CB: John Terry, Rating: 4

Again, Villa defended well, but they brought so much onto themselves. Came up strong with a few crucial blocks. It was only when Reading scored that John Terry was caught out, as him and his defense found themselves ballwatching.

LB: Neil Taylor, Rating: 4

Tore apart too often by Modou Barrow who just played him for fun. Didn’t help that Villa sat back and invited pressure, but hey - Taylor needs to stick a bit wider and deal with these threats.

RM: Birkir Bjarnason, Rating: 4

Didn’t see too much of him, but he tried to gel Villa’s midfield together from deep on the right. He just couldn’t get involved, and looked visibly frustrated with the lack of support he received. Always pressing and a 4 is a tiny bit harsh - he tried to direct things and it didn’t come off.

CM: Glenn Whelan, Rating: 3

Whelan was anonymous, I’m not sure what he does at Villa and his timid defending was unfortunate to lead to an own-goal, but please Glenn - attack the damn ball.

CM: Josh Onomah, Rating: 5

Always on the ball, always directing play, always doing something. Why is John Terry captaining this side when everything goes through a 20-year old kid that Tottenham have loaned to us? That’s a serious question! Onomah faded late on and was taken off.

CM: Conor Hourihane Rating: 6

Good having him in midfield, but not when it falls apart. Had some good balls in, and banged home a great goal. Good play from him. Needs to start games and get used to this side.

LM: Andre Green, Rating: 6

Should have scored early on and looked good getting forward, but nothing came off for him. One day his luck will turn around, but please practice those shots!

ST: Scott Hogan, Rating: N/A (subbed off 30’)

Didn’t get involved, then hurt himself.

Substitutes:

ST Gabby Agbonlahor, Rating: 5

Came on for Hogan. Got going late on with a decent ball in, that should have resulted in a goal - but it’s too little too late. Made up for it by setting up Conor Hourihane

RB Alan Hutton Rating: 5

Came on for RDL. Yeah, when you’re 2-0 down you want a right back on. At least Hutton hustled, but it’s going to do nothing

RM Albert Adomah Rating: 6

Came on for Onomah and played a great ball in to set up Hourihane via Gabby. Why didn’t start?

Past Ratings:

Hull

Colchester United

Cardiff