by Sutekh »
30 Jun 2018 16:26
Went.
First half it was the same old stuff, lots of midfield endeavour but absolutely nothing to offer going forward. Meite did well as a CF I thought but had **** all service. Barrow though was lively but he can’t do it all on his own and we were all still waiting for Reading to have a shot on target at the end of the half.
Defensively looked ok but Eastleigh really didn’t offer anything at all by way of a threat save for one shot on target which went in.
Star man was Yiadom who spent the whole half charging up and down the right putting in tackles and getting noticed with little runs so we might well have something to look forward to there. Really can’t help but feel that Swift and Kelly don’t work as a midfield and again Aluko’s only contribution continued to be the standard drift into the centre and be ineffectual. Noticed Meyler’s beard more than I noticed Meyler.
First half XI : Jaakkola, Yiadom, Moore, McShane, Gunter, Kelly, Meyler, Swift, Aluko, Meite, Barrow
In the second half a different 11 took to the field and it was rather more effective at going forward. Plenty of movement from Harriott and Loader at least gave Eastleigh something to worry about though it was the same issue of failing to get a final ball into the centre or a shot on target for most of the half. And when Reading did finally manage to score it hit the post on the way in.
Eastleigh winner really was a keeper error with another fumble from Mannone and can’t help but think there is a real opportunity in the next season or two for Ward or Southwood to make a claim if they can prove themselves on loan at a decent level.
Reading looked more of a threat in the second half and I have to say that Dave Edwards caught the eye as he was playing in a much more advanced role than we saw Stam playing him in last season and if he continues to get a run out in that position then there could be developments for the better at the club.
Thought Rinomhota did well at right back and that Popa put in a decent shift on the right - again he certainly was more effective than Aluko on that side
Overall I think there’s aspects from the first half that need to be married with some of the aspects of the second and then worked on and perhaps Reading may well be in for a comfortable season rather than the nervous variety we all had last time round.
Second half XI : Mannone, Rinomhota, Ilori, Blackett, Bacuna, Evans, Clement, Edwards, Popa, Harriott, Loader
Unexpected absence was Kermorgant so I presume he’s injured or ill