8/10 Southwood not quite able to inspire Reading FC to victory

Luke Southwood - 8

Terrific in the first half as he repelled wave after wave of Middlesbrough attacks. One particular impressive save to deny Sporar. Had less to do in the second half and maybe could have done slightly better with Boro’s first goal although truthfully, that is being harsh.

Dejan Tetek - 6

A very decent performance from the makeshift right-back. Defended well as Middlesbrough largely chose to attack down the left. Tried to get forward but didn’t do much with his few crossing and shooting opportunities.

Dejan Tetek in action vs Middlesbrough. Image by: JasonPIX

Josh Laurent - 6

After an extremely difficult outing thrown into centre-back when Scott Dann went off against Fulham, Laurent was much-improved in defence on Saturday. Bailed out Ethan Bristow numerous times in the first half and was rewarded for his good play with a slice of luck when he touched the ball onto the inside of his own post but it somehow managed to stay out.

Tom Holmes - 5

A big mistake late in the first half should have seen Middlesbrough take the lead but Southwood bailed his fellow academy graduate out. Was solid outside of that until he made a bizarre mistake late on, tackling Laurent before conceding the corner that would lead to Boro’s equaliser.

Ethan Bristow - 5

A torrid first half in which Middlesbrough clearly decided to attack him as much as they could saw Bristow beaten a number of times and get booked early on. Much improved second half but was beaten one-on-one for the winner.

Danny Drinkwater - 5

Not enough from the Chelsea loanee. With Laurent dropping back to centre-half, Reading really needed Drinkwater to step up and grab the game. Did okay but wasn’t nearly dominant enough defensively or going forward. Booked for stopping a Middlesbrough counter-attack.

Reading midfielder Danny Drinkwater. Image by: JasonPIX

Andy Rinomhota - 7

Took some time to really get into the game but looked back to his all-action best in the second. Ran absolutely everywhere, taking his team up the pitch while also getting back to defend. Saved a potential goal at 1-0 with an outstanding last-second sliding challenge. A promising performance for both the player and his team.

Tom Dele-Bashiru - 6

A really quiet first half was a disappointment, but as with his team, he improved noticeably in the second. Still not quite making the frequent impact that Reading need from him but caused Middlesbrough problems with his running and drive forward.

John Swift - 6

A number of nice touches and passes but would have wanted to do more. Dallied on the ball with his one real shooting opportunity but was involved in virtually all of Reading’s best attacking moments.

Junior Hoilett - 6

Always looks a threat when he gets on the ball with a little bit of space to run into and today was no different. Caused Middlesbrough problems and Reading will now be waiting nervously to find out the severity of the hamstring injury that forced him off the pitch.

Andy Carroll - 7

A really excellent striker’s performance from Carroll who battled all day against Middlesbrough’s defence virtually on his own. Made it a really tough afternoon for them, chasing lost cause after lost cause. Was rewarded with a superbly taken goal. Gets marked down slightly for being beaten in the air for Crooks’ first goal. Reading will be praying it's not his final game for the club.

Andy Carroll celebrates his goal. Image by: JasonPIX

Substitutes:

Mamadi Camara - 6

Wanted to make something happen each time he got the ball but Reading were primarily defending for the bulk of his time on the pitch and the few times he did get it in space he was unable to do much of note.

Lucas Joao - N/A

One of the most promising aspects of Saturday’s defeat was the return of Joao. Can’t be graded for this one though as he was only on the pitch for the final few minutes.