Huddersfield Town were not at all promotion favourites following a 19th placed finish in previous Championship campaign. But David Wagner, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s teammate at Mainz and assistant at Borussia Dortmund, took the challenge and transformed them into a top-notch outfit following a mass exodus in summer and 17 new signings.
The Terriers’ playoff final counterparts Reading improved immensely under Japp Stam and their late resurgence and experience made them favourites to win a promotion after four years. But the outcome was different; following a scoreless dull 120 minutes of football, the underdogs Huddersfield Town snatched a surprise 4-3 win in the tie-breakers hence creating history at Wembley by earning a place in the top-tier of English football for the first time since 1972.
Huddersfield Town Players Rated And Slated In Their Win Vs Reading
Danny Ward: 8
The Liverpool loanee enjoyed an outstanding campaign and his heroics in the tie-breakers helped his side to win a promotion. Ward saved two crucial penalties in the semis against Sheffield Wednesday; the Wales international repeated the same, stopping Jordan Obita’s spot-kick in a crucial time.
Tommy Smith: 7
The skipper ran tirelessly down the right flank and contributed in attack as well as performed his defensive duties. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious injury in the closing minutes of the second half and was stretchered off to be replaced by Martin Cranie.
Michael Hefele: 7.5
The big German centre-back was solid defensively with some crucial blocks, clearances and won a number of aerial duels against Reading attackers. Although he missed his spot-kick in the shootout, the former Dynamo Dresden defender did not end up on the losing side.
Christopher Schindler: 8.5
The former 1860 Munich centre-back was in the right place at the right time and never lost his concentration throughout the game. Also scored the decisive spot-kick and won his side a historic promotion.
Chris Lowe: 8
The German left-back concentrated on his defensive duties as well as provided attacking width with forward runs and link up play with Aaron Mooy and Rajiv Van La Parra. Also scored his spot-kick with minimal fuzz.
Jonathan Hogg: 6.5
Made his physical presence known in the middle of the park and combated well for 120 minutes. Was sloppy at times while tackling and struggled to hold possession in midfield.
Aaron Mooy: 7
The Australian international had an impressive campaign in the midfield and left his mark once again with his passing skills and free flowing football. The Manchester City loanee kept his head cool and converted his spot-kick brilliantly under immense pressure that kept the Terriers in the game.
Elias Kachunga: 6
The FC Ingolstadt 04 loanee had a quiet afternoon at Wembley Stadium as he struggled to pose attacking threats from the right flank. Although his physical presence put loads of pressure on the Reading back-line (particularly from set-pieces), Kachunga looked ineffective and was taken off to be replaced by Collin Quaner in the second half.
Isaiah Brown: 6.5
The Chelsea loanee kept the Royals defence on their toes with his footwork and off the ball movements, however, he missed a simple tap-in early in the game which was arguably the simplest of opportunities from an apparent tedious outing.
Rajiv Van La Parra: 6
The Dutchman showed his impressive dribbling skills, pace and whipped in a few crosses down the left flank, but he failed to make any noteworthy contribution throughout the game as the former Brighton winger lacked an end product.
Nahki Wells: 6
The Bermudian attacker could not offer much from an attacking point of view until the closing minutes of extra time when he missed a golden opportunity to seal the deal from a counter attack. He, however, did not miss from six yards out.
Substitutes
Collin Quaner: 6
Replaced Kachunga in the second half. Brought mobility upfront but struggled with his crosses.
Martin Cranie: 6
Replaced injured skipper Tommy Smith at right back and maintained defensive discipline.
Kasey Palmer: 6
The Chelsea loanee replaced Brown in the first half of extra time and impressed with his vision and passing range.
