11 December 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Sunderland took the lead after just three minutes tonight and never looked back, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Reading. The result saw Sunderland climb out of the bottom three. Meanwhile, a glance at the Premier League table shows Reading are set for a quick return to the Championship. The statistics don't lie. This was the fourth time in five fixtures we've lost to teams immediately next to us at the bottom of the table. The facts are that Reading are not up to the standard of their relegation rivals and surely the only outcome from this season will be relegation in one of the bottom two places.
It wasn't a lack of effort that led to yet another Reading defeat tonight, with Reading having their fair share of possession. Reading were second best across the pitch, and failed to create many opportunities or take the ones they created. The home side took full advantage and the game was already over before the half hour mark when they took a two goal lead. Sunderland's third goal came on ninety minutes to seal the victory. Alex Pearce made a welcome return to the starting eleven, but his re-appearance will be disappointing for him - particually after he shot wide in the first half when he might have pulled the scores level. Reading looked most dangerous from Nicky Shorey set-pieces but otherwise rarely threatened until Noel Hunt forced a save in the last moments of the game.
At least it was a great night for former Reading legend Phil Parksinon who guided his League Two Bradford City side to a League Cup victory over Arsenal. That's something Reading couldn't manage despite Arsenal giving the Royals a four goal headstart.
Sunderland took the lead after just three minutes tonight and never looked back, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Reading. The result saw Sunderland climb out of the bottom three. Meanwhile, a glance at the Premier League table shows Reading are set for a quick return to the Championship. The statistics don't lie. This was the fourth time in five fixtures we've lost to teams immediately next to us at the bottom of the table. The facts are that Reading are not up to the standard of their relegation rivals and surely the only outcome from this season will be relegation in one of the bottom two places.
<br/><br/>
It wasn't a lack of effort that led to yet another Reading defeat tonight, with Reading having their fair share of possession. Reading were second best across the pitch, and failed to create many opportunities or take the ones they created. The home side took full advantage and the game was already over before the half hour mark when they took a two goal lead. Sunderland's third goal came on ninety minutes to seal the victory. Alex Pearce made a welcome return to the starting eleven, but his re-appearance will be disappointing for him - particually after he shot wide in the first half when he might have pulled the scores level. Reading looked most dangerous from Nicky Shorey set-pieces but otherwise rarely threatened until Noel Hunt forced a save in the last moments of the game.
<br/><br/>
At least it was a great night for former Reading legend Phil Parksinon who guided his League Two Bradford City side to a League Cup victory over Arsenal. That's something Reading couldn't manage despite Arsenal giving the Royals a four goal headstart.
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<li><a href="/matdoc/111212.html">Sunderland 3 Reading 0</a>
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