Reading confirmed top spot in their EFL Trophy group with an entertaining 5-2 win over Arsenal Under-21s.

Here are the ratings.

Joel Pereira, 7: Not tested too much but made a terrific save and set up a clever counter-attack which led to Caylan Vickers’ first-half goal.

Nesta Guinness-Walker, 6: Coped well out of position, but it seems to be the same story with Guinness-Walker. The full-back is exciting going forward, but is prone to lapses in concentration defensively. 

Tom Holmes, 6: Solid performance from the captain, who on the whole looked too good for the level. Was tied up by Reiss Nelson, but the winger is a Premier League regular and too good to be playing in the EFL Trophy.

Harlee Dean, 5: The experienced defender dived in too early and totally missed the ball as Pereira brought down an Arsenal forward to give away a first-half penalty. He also gave away a dubious second-half penalty himself. 

Matt Carson, 6: Similar to Guinness-Walker, the youngster is always a threat with his crossing ability but still has improvements to make defensively.

Michael Craig, 7: Another imperious midfield performance from the youngster, who loved nothing more than throwing himself into big tackles and coming away with the ball. A bright future ahead for the combative star.

Amadou Mbengue, 6: Quietly went about his business, without the erratic play which he is sometimes known for in defence.

Paul Mukariu, 7: One of his better displays in a Reading shirt, causing havoc out wide. Only thing missing was a goal, but two assists is nothing to scoff at.

Caylan Vickers, 8: The star performer on the pitch, the teenager took his goal expertly and grabbed himself an assist. Left defenders looking silly on occasion, and appeared to make the right decision almost every time he had the ball. 

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 7: Took his goals clinically and should have walked away with a hattrick had he converted his penalty

Jayden Wareham, 6: Did everything but score. His link-up play was great and always a willing runner. Goals will come/

Substitutes

Lewis Wing, 6: Quietly went about his business without much fuss. Did not catch the eye positively or negatively, just a solid cameo to keep the game ticking over.

Harvey Knibbs, 7: Bundle of energy when he came on for the final half hour, taking his goal very well on the half-volley.

Clinton Mola, 6: Loved to get forward and could have grabbed himself a goal himself. Needed minutes in the tank.

Sam Smith, 6: The man loves nothing more than scoring goals, and now has made it three goals in three games as he returns from injury.

Charlie Wellens, n/a