Ovi Ejaria starred as Reading FC held Aston Villa to a goalless draw at Madejski Stadium.

Nelson Oliveira spurned Royals’ best chance of the afternoon while Emi Martinez did brilliantly to deny the in-form Tammy Abraham.

But is was Liverpool loanee Ejaria who stood out for Jose Gomes’ side with the 21-year-old putting on an eye-catching display in midfield.

Here’s how we thought the Royals performed this afternoon.

Emi Martinez: 7/10 - A very strong performance from the Arsenal loanee with one particularly key save to deny Tammy Abraham’s headed effort in the second half. He also looked very composed with the ball at his feet and rarely looked phased by Villa’s pressure.

Andy Yiadom: 6/10 - Showed wonderful energy on the right-flank as he always does and was constantly up and down the pitch. He also made a crucial tackle inside the box to deny Abraham what looked to be a certain goal.

Matt Miazga: 6/10 - Tammy Abraham was identified as the danger man ahead of the game but Miazga contained him brilliantly for 90 minutes, barely giving the in-form striker a sniff. The USA international was unlucky not to score his first goal in Berkshire when he pounced on Oliveria’s parried header.

Liam Moore: 6/10 - A solid performance overall but he was incredibly lucky not to gift Aston Villa a goal when he decided to let a ball bounce behind him with Abraham lurking in the shadows.

Tyler Blackett: 6/10 - He’s been criticised by many for his performances at left-back but he showed plenty of promise this afternoon. The former Manchester United man, who was linked with a deadline day move away from the club, was up and down the wing and defended well throughout the 90 minutes.

Lewis Baker: 7/10 - While some may question Liam Kelly not being in Jose Gomes’ immediate first-team plans, there will be few that can argue with Lewis Baker’s performance. The Chelsea FC loanee showed tremendous passing ability, particularly in the first-half and looked very composed on the ball throughout.

Andy Rinomhota: 6/10 - Not quite the scintillating performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from the youngster but he put on a confident display in the deep-lying midfielder role none the less.

John Swift: 6/10 - Very dangerous with his set-piece delivery but unfortunately Royals couldn’t quite convert the chances. Swift definitely seems to have improved under Jose Gomes so Reading fans will be hoping these displays continue.

Ovie Ejaria: 7/10 - Deserves to be named man of the match, particularly for his first-half performance. Ejaria was everywhere and showed an abundance of energy, strength and skill. Should have been awarded a penalty for what looked like a clear-cut foul from Hutton at the end of the first 45 but Ejaria can take a lot of positives from his shift.

Callum Harriott: 6/10 - He was quiet initially but grew into the game as the first half progressed. Harriott showed plenty of trickery and delivered some excellent crosses - one of which Oliveira perhaps should have converted.

Nelson Oliveira: 7/10 - Another very promising performance from the Portuguese. He held the ball up well, brought others into play and created several of his own touches. Desperately unlucky not to score with a wonderful glancing header on the stroke of half-time.

Omar Richards: 5/10 - Was quiet when he came on but he was asked to operate in an unfamiliar position - including on the right-wing at one point.

Sone Aluko: 5/10 - Tried to get on the ball and make things happen but his final touch let him down this afternoon. A couple of wayward passes and a shot he would rather forget, but there are still plenty of positive signs from Aluko.

Yakou Meite: 5/10 - Put his body about but was marshalled well by Tommy Elphick who didn’t really give Meite a chance. The Ivorian looked a bit rusty but that’s to be expected seeing as he’s just returned from injury and I’d expect him to improve in the coming weeks.