Andy Carroll stars as Reading FC impressively down Swansea

Luke Southwood: 8/10

Couldn’t do much about the two goals, particularly Swansea’s second, but a number of crucial saves in the final half-hour to keep Reading in front. His save from Olivier Ntcham’s was particularly impressive.

Andy Yiadom: 6/10

Supported the attack well and defended well enough to keep Swansea at bay. Perhaps not as brilliant as some of his teammates, but a crucial component nonetheless.

Scott Dann: 7/10

In Liam Moore’s absence, Dann led the team superbly helping Reading defend the edge of their box and force Swansea into shots from long-range. Strong, organized, and a towering presence defending crosses into the danger area.

Tom Holmes: 7/10

Recalled to the side in place of Liam Moore, Holmes continued where he left off against Nottingham Forest, making crucial interventions and working well with Dann to make sure the defence stood tall.

Abdul Baba Rahman: 6/10

As with his opposite full-back, Baba Rahman wasn’t asked to do as much in attack as usual, but more than held his own on the left side and rarely got beaten one on one.

Josh Laurent: 8/10

Laurent hasn’t quite been at his best the past few weeks but this was a reminder of what he’s capable of. Kept things organized in front of defence while making a number of important tackles and pressure-relieving bursts up the pitch.

Danny Drinkwater: 8/10

Playing alongside Laurent, it was Drinkwater’s job to break out of midfield and pressure the Swansea defence, something he did excellently. Provided the entire team energy and took his goal well.

Tom Dele-Bashiru: 8/10

Anonymous on Tuesday night, Dele-Bashiru was absolutely brilliant at the Swansea.com stadium. Scored the equaliser and created the third. A constant menace.

Tom Dele-Bashiru powers home Reading's first to make it 1-1. Image by: JasonPIX.

John Swift: 7/10

Slightly overshadowed by those around him including Dele-Bashiru and Andy Carroll, Swift still played a crucial role in everything good Reading did, including setting up Dele-Bashiru for the first goal.

Alen Halilovic: 6/10

Had some nice touches in his first start since returning from injury, but not nearly as impactful as those around him. Did however do a great job of dropping in alongside Laurent to allow Drinkwater the freedom to push high.

Andy Carroll: 8/10

Scorer of Reading’s second goal after holding off a Swansea defender and finishing into the corner, Carroll absolutely bullied the hosts causing constant problems while offering Velijko Paunovic’s side an outlet whenever needed.

Fedi Azeez: 7/10
Replaced Halilovic after 66 minutes and worked incredibly hard to help keep Reading’s lead. Played one beautiful ball through to Dele-Bashiru late on that helped Reading relieve the building Swansea pressure.

George Puscas: N/A

Came on for Carroll with just under ten minutes to go, worked hard and was forced to primarily defend as Reading held on for victory.