Reading FC suffered another away defeat, losing 2-0 at Watford on Tuesday night.
Despite making a promising start, the Royals conceded a penalty in the 14th minute as Ovie Ejaria brought down Joao Pedro, who duly converted from the spot.
The Hornets had three further penalty appeals turned down, but were able to double their lead in the closing minutes as Pedro’s half volley found the back of the net.
Joe Lumley 6: Made a fantastic reflex save to deny Davis from close range. Was forced off through injury on the half hour mark.
Amadou Mbengue 6: Kept his side in the contest after a vital intervention to deny Sarr at the end of the first half. Had the confidence to step up with the ball on occasion.
Andy Yiadom 5: Was run ragged by Sarr down Watford’s left and therefore had very little opportunity to get forward. Did not look comfortable when Kalu came on either.
Tom Holmes 5: Not at his best, struggling to contain the pace and guile of Watford’s front line. A committed performance from the vice captain nevertheless.
Sam Hutchinson 7: Offered the back line a good amount of protection on his return, breaking up the play well. Composed on the ball and was at the heart of most of Reading’s moves
Baba Rahman 5: Gave the ball away far too often. Got more joy than Yiadom going forward but offered very little end product.
Tyrese Fornah 7: Used his close control and power to bring the ball forward well, particularly in the first half. Came close with a cross-come-shot free-kick which just flew wide. Disappeared a little in the second 45.
Jeff Hendrick 5: Some tidy touches in midfield but was unable to add any impetus to Reading’s forays forward. Could not establish a foothold in the middle of the park.
Ovie Ejaria 4: Brought down Joao Pedro to concede the first-half penalty. Was off the pace for large portions of the games but, to his credit, made a crucial defensive intervention after the break.
Lucas Joao 5: Did his utmost to hold the ball up, getting fouled with his back to goal on numerous occasions. Could not find any openings, which was largely down to a lack of quality service.
Tom Ince 5: Was not able to make as much of an impact on the game as he would have liked. Fired a shot from just outside the box over the bar, which was arguably Reading’s best chance of the game.
Dean Bouzanis 6: Was forced into an athletic save midway through the second half, doing well to see the shot through bodies. Quick to come off his line when required.
Mamadou Loum 5: Followed up his World Cup call-up with a so-so showing off the bench. Picked up his seventh booking of the season.
Yakou Meite: N/A
Andy Carroll: N/A
Subs: Guinness-Walker, Hoilett, Long
