Leeds United slipped down from top of the Championship table following two back to back defeats prior to the international break and Thomas Christiansen’s men were determined to bring their derailed campaign back on track this afternoon against Reading FC at Elland Road. Reading FC missed out a Premier League promotion under Japp Stam the last term when they suffered a defeat in tie-breakers during play-off final against Huddersfield Town.
Stam, however, has failed to inspire his boys to fight for a promotion this season who were struggling lower down the league table ahead of their trip to West Yorkshire. A crucial outing for both the outfits, however, ended dramatically when former Leeds United winger Moduo Barrow scored a late goal for the Royals. Pablo Hernandez missed a spot-kick in added minutes and the game ended in a massive victory for the visitors.
Below are the Reading players rated from their dramatic win against the Peacocks.
Vito Mannone: 9
Mannone has to be the Royals hero this evening who dived the right way to stop Pablo Hernandez’s second-half injury-time spot-kick and secured all three points keeping a much-needed clean-sheet.
Leandro Bacuna: 7
A balanced display by the Curaçao international as he made overlap runs as well as performed defensive duties throughout the game.
Liam Moore: 7.5
The former Leicester City defender struggled against Samuel Saiz and Pierre-Michel Lasogga in early minutes but settled in well and delivered a solid defensive display.
Tiago Ilori: 8.5
The ex-Liverpool man is having his opportunities finally and impressed once more with his positioning, blocks, interceptions, and tackles. Did well to contain Lasogga and never let him dominate inside the box.
Chris Gunter: 8
The skipper was brilliant in a full-back role and kept on making forward runs, whipped in some excellent crosses and tracked back when required to help his backline.
Roy Beerens: 6.5
Beerens was lively in the first-half with his runs down the right-hand flank, link-up play, and movements which were creating space in Leeds’ defence. He was quiet since the half-time and eventually replaced by Modou Barrow around an hour mark.
David Edwards: 7.5
The former Wolves midfielder controlled the game from the middle of the park, with his dribbles, passes and through balls. He created a few chances and came close to find the back of the net as well.
Joey van den Berg: 8.5
An excellent outing from the Dutchman who worked tirelessly down in midfield. Helped his defence, won back possession and found Barrow upfront with a sensational through ball that was eventually converted by the former Leeds winger.
Garath McCleary: 6
McCleary worked hard down the flank but did not offer much offensively except a few purposeful passes and crosses. Was taken off in closing seconds to be replaced by Dutch youngster Pelle Clement.
Sone Aluko: 7
Aluko troubled the Leeds defence with his pace, cut insides and agility. Came close to score but was denied by Leeds custodian Andy Lonergan. Was taken off in the second half and was replaced by Liam Kelly.
Jón Daði Böðvarsson: 6
The Icelandic international used his physicality upfront but didn’t test the keeper more than once in the game. Linked up well with Aluko and McCleary upfront.
Substitutes:
Modou Barrow: 7
The former Leeds winger came as a substitute and scored the solitary goal of the game that proved to be the decider.
Liam Kelly: 6
Came in place of Aluko. Supported in midfield and helped his side to win possession in the middle of the park.
Pelle Clement: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
