A late Josh Laurent stunner gave Reading a much-needed, and well-deserved, 1-0 win over play-off hopefuls Blackburn Rovers.
Read my player ratings on the fantastic win below.
Orjan Nyland- 7: Kicking was poor throughout but nobody will mind too much if he continues making crucial saves. At 0-0, less than 15 minutes before Laurent gave Reading the lead, Nyland made a stunning save one-on-one with Blackburn midfielder Bradley Dack.
Andy Yiadom- 6: Saw less of the ball than previous games, with lots of the Blackburn attacking play coming down the left-hand side, but did all that was expected of him. Won his tackles and was always an outlet to relieve pressure.
Michael Morrison- 7: Won his tackles and his headers, with one particular block coming shortly after Nyland had kept Dack out surely preventing a crucial goal.
Tom Holmes- 6: Another solid performance, not putting a foot wrong.
Tom McIntyre- 6: His best game at full-back. Still obvious that it is not his predominant position but had a very strong game, even with Rovers targetting his side for attacks
Andy Rinohmota- 6: Did nothing wrong but was disappointing to see him pull up with an injury. Replaced by John Swift in the first half.
Danny Drinkwater- 6: Solid match, not his best but not his worst. Added nice balance to the midfield and always looked to play forwards.
Josh Laurent- 8: The man was absolutely everywhere today and thrived in a role higher up the pitch. Took his goal excellently to round off a good day at the office.
Tom Ince- 7: Bright throughout and was determined in both his offensive and defensive play. Proved to be a very good winter addition.
Lucas Joao- 6: Similar to Tuesday, good work to get in position but missed a glorious first half header which would have made it a more comfortable afternoon.
Ovie Ejaria- 7: One of his better games, first half was involed in everything going forward. Looks to have regained confidence and can't wait to take someone on. A joy to watch on form.
Subs
John Swift- 6: Very good showing considering he had only trained for two days. Some glorious crosses and passes. Can't wait to see him back conducting the midfield.
Junior Hoilett- 6: A willing runner and outlet to relieve pressure but did not have a great impact on the game.
Yakou Meite- 6: A handful when he arrived and was constantly stretching the back four of Blackburn. Drew fouls and relieved pressure, good cameo from the Ivorian.
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