Reading were outplayed by Championship table-topping Leeds, going down 3-0 at the Madejski Stadium.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side produced a dominant first-half performance, to underline why they are hot favourites to make a first return to the top flight since their relegation in 2004.
REACTION: Every word from Jose Gomes on defeat
Debuts for academy youngsters Ryan East and Michael Olise were the only real positive to take away from a Royals point of view, with attentions swiftly turning to Saturday’s away fixture at Stoke, the last game before the international break.
EMI MARTINEZ: Didn’t have much to do other than picking balls out of the net. Potentially could have stopped the second goal, which came off his near post – 6
ANDY YIADOM: Looked lively going forwards, his swivel on the spot and shot parried by Casilla early on was as close as Reading came to scoring – 8* (star man)
LIAM MOORE: Got turned for the second goal, but generally a very assured captain’s performance – 6
MATT MIAZGA: Quiet game, could have offered more of an aerial threat from set pieces – 6
TYLER BLACKETT: Worked hard and got forward frequently – 7
JOHN SWIFT: Solid performance, heavily involved as usual in the midfield, lacked killer touch in final third – 6
RYAN EAST: Gave the ball away for the second goal, but otherwise didn’t look overawed on his debut – 6
LEWIS BAKER: Committed a number of fouls, and struggled to provide much going forwards – 4
MO BARROW: Reading’s liveliest offering going forwards, final ball letting him down too often though – 7
YAKOU MEITE: Made some good runs into promising positions – 6
DANNY LOADER: Offered little threat playing as the number nine – 5
SUBS:
CALLUM HARRIOTT: Whipped in some dangerous balls, looked lively after coming on – 7
MICHAEL OLISE: The 17-year-old didn’t put a foot wrong on his Reading debut – 7
GARATH McCLEARY: One driven shot from range parried away during his ten-minute cameo – N/A
