IT’S BEEN another busy week with all but one deadline-day signing making their first appearances to go with four points from a possible six.

Last Saturday’s goalless draw with Barnsley set up a big showdown with Brentford on Tuesday.

It was a hectic night and there were occasions when Reading looked down and out.

But a tactical masterclass – a triple substitution – from Jaap Stam turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory for a fourth win in six unbeaten games.

We now sit fourth in the table, five points behind Brighton in second and one behind Huddersfield in third.

This week I took a closer look at two players – Tyler Blackett and Liam Moore.

Moore has been instrumental in our success and Blackett could play a pivotal role with Paul McShane out injured.

On Tuesday night, Blackett played on the left of three defenders alongside Moore in the middle and Chris Gunter on the right.

Blackett’s history as a left-back at Manchester United coupled with his good pace enables Jordan Obita to realise his attacking potential.

It is a similar system to the one Antonio Conte is using at Chelsea. Much like Cesar Azpilicueta enables Marcos Alonso to get forward, Blackett does the same for Obita. Both had good games on Tuesday and on Saturday.

Blackett was outstanding against Barnsley, winning eight of his 11 duels. He didn’t commit a single foul and had 83 per cent passing accuracy from more than 100 passes.

Moore is proving to be one of our best summer signings. He has an average rating of 7.25 out of 10 in 27 games (all of which he has started).

His average passing success is an impressive 86 per cent which just goes to show Stam’s “build-from-the-back” philosophy is becoming fruitful.

It will be interesting to see how Reading line up at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

They boast the best form over the last 10 league games, losing just once – 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.

They have also scored 18 goals in that run and it will be down to Blackett and Moore to stand in their way.

Bring it on!