We take a look back at each players individual ratings from yesterday’s 1-0 defeat away at Brentford.

Rafael: 6

The Brazilian shot stopper had another decent performance yesterday afternoon. In a game of relatively few clear-cut chances, he wasn’t called upon very often – but produced a couple of decent saves, including a point-blank stop to keep the score at 1-0 five minutes after Reading fell behind. Couldn’t have done any better with Brentford’s goal either.

Andy Yiadom: 5

Perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch in the first half, Yiadom had a difficult afternoon. Rico Henry and Said Benrahma targeted him, catching him out of position on a number of occasions. Yiadom did, to his credit, regain a bit of composure at half time after looking like a red card waiting to happen for periods of the first half.

Matt Miazga: 6

A reasonably solid performance from Miazga against a dangerous Brentford front-line. Showed composure in abundance, helping to keep the structure of the defence for long periods of the game.

Liam Moore: 5

Although the Reading skipper produced a brilliant last-ditch tackle to deny Ollie Watkins a clear scoring opportunity, he was at fault for the Brentford goal which ultimately cost Reading the game. No striker should be afforded that much space in the box, especially a striker with double digits this season already.

Michael Morrison: 6

Recovered well after a bit of a shaky start, when his timid back pass nearly led to a Brentford opener. Kept his calm and looked reasonably solid for the remainder of the game.

Omar Richards: 6

Although Richards did brilliantly to deny Brentford a late second goal, he didn’t do a huge amount more. He was pinned back for large spells of the game, restricting his ability to get forward and help the forwards who looked timid at times in the second half.

Andy Rinohmota: 5

It wasn’t really a surprise to see Rinohmota replaced by Lucas Boye, he never really got into this game. The game did seem to pass him by at times.

Ovie Ejaria: 6

Ejaria showed flashes of brilliance in tight areas to get away from defenders, including a stunning forward run in the second half, taking it past a number of Brentford players as if they were not there. Unfortunately, given the way Brentford set up to restrict any creativity from Ejaria and Swift, he didn’t really create any clear-cut opportunities despite looking bright.

John Swift: 6

Much like Ejaria, Swift was not afforded much space in the middle of the park, which restricted his creativity. Was pushed back into a more defensive role in the second half. Produced an industrious performance and showed his class at times but did not create the level of chances he has done throughout this season.

George Puscas: 4

Maybe a little bit of a harsh rating, but Puscas has to score in the first half. It is clear to see that Puscas is struggling for confidence. Lots of energy and some good forward runs, but no end product. Can’t see him keeping his place in the side for much longer on current form, but with Baldock going off injured – Bowen may not have much of a choice for a few weeks.

Sam Baldock: 8

The game changed when Baldock went off, it is as simple as that. He ran the channels brilliantly, hassled and harried the Brentford defence in the first half, showing a fantastic work-rate. He could well have had a chance as good as his strike partners – nearly breaking through on goal before being wiped out by Pontus Jannson.

Subs

Yakou Meite: 4

Little service was matched with little effort. He looked off the pace, unwilling to match the work rate of the man he replaced and did not produce anything of note. He’ll need to bounce back quickly.

Lucas Boye: 6

Looked bright and energetic in the 20 minutes he had, doing brilliantly to hook the ball back into the box at one point, nearly producing Reading’s equaliser.

Garath McCleary: 5

Spurned a good opportunity, set up by fellow substitute Lucas Boye’s industrious effort. A difficult game to come on and make a difference and despite his goal against Luton which would’ve undoubtedly been a massive boost, he had a tough cameo.