Reading FC Match Report: 2020/2021 Season - Championship
BRENTFORD 3 READING 1
Reading: S Aluko (64)
Brentford: M Jensen (11), B Mbeumo (23), B Mbeumo (29)
The outcome of this game was decided within the first thirty minutes with a good Brentford side taking full advantage of some poor defending and a dreadful goalkeeping error by Raphael to race into an early three goal lead. A more spirited showing and a headed goal from substitute Aluko in the second half maintained a respectable score line, but in truth Reading never looked likely to recover from their poor start. There was no lack of fight and spirit in this defeat but the errors keep coming thick and fast and have proved costly in recent games. Reading have now slipped out of the top six, and the sooner the players currently out of action due to injury return, the better.
Baldock was included in the starting eleven at the expense of Aluko, and Olise appeared, initially at least, to play further forward. The opening ten minutes provided no hint of the imminent disaster. Brentford to the led when poor communication between Rinomhota and Baldock resulted in Jensen being allowed to run into the box unmarked and receive a pass from Canos which gave him a clear sight of goal. His strike was hit firmly at Raphael who somehow allowed the ball squirm through his legs and trickle over the line. Rinomohta’s decision to delegate the responsibility of marking the player in the most threatening position (in the box), to Baldock, who was still chasing back, was a poor one. Reading tried to hit back but Samedo’s finish was tame and Moore’s clean volleyed strike following a corner was straight at Brentford ‘keeper Raya. After twenty-three minutes Mbueno cut in from the right, and with Esteves not getting tight enough, he smacked the ball inside the far post. Good strike but a goal could easily have been prevented by better defending. Six minutes later Brentford killed the game off with a third goal. Reading’s defence was ripped open by some excellent short passing and once again nobody was close enough to Mbueno to prevent him from steering his shot past Raphael.
With a three goal cushion Brentford had no need to take any risks and were happy to contain Reading. It was a frustrating second half for the Royals. Aluko looked sharp in possession and nodded in a fine header from an Olise cross three minutes after coming on to replace Samedo providing Reading with a glimmer of hope. Reading enjoyed a lot of possession and Brentford dished it out, racking up seventeen fouls. Had referee Stroud had been more observant it that number would have been greater. Janelt and Jensen were shown yellow cards and Toney got away with persistent infringements. It was an irritant rather than an influence on the outcome of the game. Laurent was again the player who stood out with his purposeful direct running and passing. Also once again there were flashes of good play from Ejaria, but as the game wore on he began to lose possession by dribbling into trouble and holding on the ball too long. Olise similarly looked very good but he is too easily outmuscled and it took a great saving tackle from Holmes to deny Brentford a fourth goal after he had been dispossessed in his own half.
Reading did occasionally threaten to score a second goal. Ejaria tested Raya with a good effort and Holmes had sniff of goal in the six yard box but Brentford predictably and understandably took every opportunity to run the clock down, but it wasn’t great to watch. It was all too easy for Brentford in the end and although they are not the team they were last season they look a good bet for the play-offs again. Reading’s season still hangs in the balance and depends very much on how much ground they lose until they return to full strength. At the moment a point a game looks a realistic target.
John Wells
Post Match Fans' Opinion
Sutekh
When : Saturday 19th December 2020, 3pm
Where : Brentford Community Stadium
Capacity : 17,250
Away Fans Location : would be the East Stand
Brentford. First the good news. London is now tier 3 so no-one can go and watch the game other than club officals and media. Bad news is it's another very awkward game for Reading given the difficulties with injuries which all in all will not be helped by the presence of Ivan "16 goals in 19 games" Toney.
This is the first trip to Bentford's new ground - the Brentford Community Stadium - which is less than a mile from their old abode at Griffin Park. The ground sadly lacks a pub on each corner but its existence at last relieved the Madejski Stadium of London Irish. For those who like to know this sort of thing, the ground has a unique triangular design necessitated by the footprint between two rail lines and the M4. The ground also has the two highest resolution LED screens in any UK stadia (not that any fans can watch them at the moment of course). The pitch technology is the same as that at Wembley.
Don't know what it is about Brentford, they have got outstanding recuitment policy as they just keep finding players in lower leagues and abroad reasonably cheaply and then selling those players for very serious money while continually maintaining a very impressive first team that always seems to be in and around the play offs at the very least.
As with the most recent seasons, Reading head to west London for this fixture to play a team which is in rather useful form. This time it's no defeats in their last 12 games, a run which consists of 5 wins and 7 draws. The draws though do seem to be stacking up especially at home where, of the 9 games played, Brentford have drawn 5 - in fact they've actually drawn the last 5 successive home league games.
Star man? Ivan Toney, obviously. Stop him getting on the score sheet and Brentford have problems as Marcus Forss is the next highest scorer with 5 goals then there's just 7 goals from the rest of the squad. However that's not to demean what is a talented and well organised squad with players such as Sergei Canos, Pontus Jansson, Rico Henry and Bryan Mbeumo. Reading connection? Shandon Baptiste is now at Brentford, though he has only 1 sub appearance in the league, but Tariq Fosu has made 4(8) appearances so far for them, so what's the betting his first goal will be in this game?!
Chirstian Norgaard is about Brentford's only injury worry though central defender Ethan Pinnock misses out through suspension thanks to being sent off at Watford on Tuesday. Reading have are still suffering with injuries to Yiadom, Araruna, Richards, Meite, Joao, Puscas and Swift which, when you think about it, is over half a first team in numbers - so if Reading do manage come away with any pointage from this game they'll have done very well.
Referee
Keith "3 years and 7 games since my last Reading win" Stroud
Previously
07 Nov 2020 > Reading 0-3 Stoke City
08 Jan 2020 > Millwall 2-0 Reading
28 Sep 2019 > Swansea City 1-1 Reading
05 May 2019 > Reading 0-0 Birmingham City
10 Apr 2019 > Norwich City 2-2 Reading
27 Oct 2018 > Swansea City 2-0 Reading
28 Apr 2018 > Reading 0-4 Ipswich Town
02 Dec 2017 > Sunderland 1-3 Reading
04 Nov 2017 > Derby County 2-4 Reading
01 Apr 2017 > Reading 1-0 Leeds United
14 Feb 2017 > Reading 3-2 Brentford
19 Nov 2016 > Reading 3-0 Burton Albion
28 Dec 2015 > Reading 1-2 Brentford
07 Nov 2015 > Cardiff City 2-0 Reading
03 Oct 2015 > Reading 2-0 Middlesbrough
14 Apr 2015 > Reading 0-1 Bournemouth
29 Mar 2014 > Reading 1-1 Huddersfield Town
11 Jan 2014 > Watford 0-1 Reading
13 Aug 2011 > Leicester City 0-2 Reading
03 Apr 2010 > Ipswich Town 2-1 Reading
06 Feb 2010 > Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Reading
29 Dec 2007 > Tottenham Hotspur 6-4 Reading
22 Sep 2007 > Reading 2-1 Wigan Athletic
25 Feb 2006 > Reading 2-1 Preston North End
23 Aug 2005 > Reading 3-1 Swansea City (League Cup)
Historically
Reading have won roughly a quarter of the league games played at Brentford (10 out of 44) but have lost on 20 occasions. Brentford have won 7 of the last 11 league games played between the sides (W7, D3, L1).
Expect Reading to have to score at least twice to have a chance of winning the game as Reading have failed to keep a clean sheet at Brentford since the days of Steve Death and 17 Sep 1973 came along. That's a total of almost exactly 46 years and 22 games
(but then Reading have only ever kept 2 clean sheets in the league at Brentford so perhaps that isn't really a surprise).But at least Reading have never lost a game at the Brentford Community Stadium....
How to follow the game
- Listen to Radio 5 Live and/or a myriad of other radio stations for score flashes
- Ring/text a mate for updates
- Use an iFollow subscription
- BBC Radio Berkshire (FM : 104.4, 104.1 or 95.4 depending where you are in the area)
Hound
It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)
It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle
Stranded
It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)
It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle
Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.
Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.
However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.
As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.
Hound
It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)
It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle
Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.
Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.
However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.
As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.
I think thats fair. Brentford will definitely be a toughie though.
Swift apparently back for boxing day which will help a bit.
Zip
Also depends on how you want to look at the 11 points from 11 games run - I prefer to look at it that we have recovered excellently after a horror run of 4 straight defeats and now injuries threaten to derail that recovery. Before yesterday's defeat we had taken 11/18 points over the past 6 games - only 3 teams in the division had picked up more and we lost to one of them last night.
Even with last nights defeat our form is 10/18 - putting us 7th on current form. Team should certainly take pride in this recovery, which is why I have confidence we can hang around this year esp. if we can pick up 4 points from the next 3 games.
However you want to look at it, isn't it nice for a change that we are worrying that an injury crisis may derail a push for autos/play-offs rather than pull is in to the bottom 3.
As for Saturday - we are on current form the 6th best team away from home whilst Brentford are 16th on home form - I would much rather be going there then them visiting us. With the squad available a win will be tough but no reason we can't come away with a point, which will keep us in the top 6 ahead of a winnable home game on Boxing Day.
I think thats fair. Brentford will definitely be a toughie though.
Swift apparently back for boxing day which will help a bit.
A point would be very good and much needed especially with Swansea coming up. If we are to stay in play off contention we need to beat Luton on Boxing Day. I can’t help but feel Joao would have made a difference last night. Their centre backs looked very ordinary.
Zip
It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)
It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle
Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.
Hound
It’s true but when we’ve had close to a full side we’ve been very good. Birmingham probably the exception but even then we might have sneaked something had Meite and Joao not got injured at the end (or missed a penalty etc)
It’s probably what we all knew - our first 11 is excellent, and we’ve 3 or 4 very good players to support those. Beyond that it’s a struggle
Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.
Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility
When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that
WestYorksRoyal
Will take a point here. Agree with comments on squad depth. Our first XI is good, and then Swift, Puscas, Semedo, Holmes, Gibson, Southwood and McIntyre range from very good to useful. But beyond that, the players we're being forced to use are either not ready for this level or simply not good enough.
Stranded
Yes fair comment. I’m just peed off that such a positive start to the season is being derailed.
Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility
When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
Hound
Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility
When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
I've not always subscribed to the parachute payment being an issue, but it does really feel like those 3 teams have a massive advantage over everyone else this year. Even a team like Brentford who you think would be very strong after selling 45m worth of players and reinvesting some well, look at a distinct disadvantage if they get a few injuries
Said it all when Norwich had Cantwell on Hugill coming on really. I think they've played the game well tbh, went up, pocketed the money, sold a couple for a decent amount, and now they are sitting pretty with a shed load of cash in their pocket, and a young side with plenty of further sellable assets
Sutekh
Not sure its been derailed as such - still in 5th. Just going to have to scrape through until we get some forwards back and I think the Play offs are still definitely a possibility
When you look at the depth of our squad compared to the likes of Norwich, Bournemouth and Watford, it was always going to be a struggle to get higher than that
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.
Hound
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.
yes thats true. I'm not sure why particularly this year. Norwich always seemed to plan to come back down, but not sure on the others
Stranded
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.
It is - but the unusual circumstances for this year are I think helping them out esp. as they all have kept a large number of players from the PL following relegation and teams already in the Champ haven't been able to strengthen massively over a shortened summer with tighter purse strings.
CountryRoyal
It is literally no coincidence that the top 3 are the relegated sides - they have bigger squads where the back-ups would probably improve a decent percentage of other sides first teams.
I've not always subscribed to the parachute payment being an issue, but it does really feel like those 3 teams have a massive advantage over everyone else this year. Even a team like Brentford who you think would be very strong after selling 45m worth of players and reinvesting some well, look at a distinct disadvantage if they get a few injuries
Said it all when Norwich had Cantwell on Hugill coming on really. I think they've played the game well tbh, went up, pocketed the money, sold a couple for a decent amount, and now they are sitting pretty with a shed load of cash in their pocket, and a young side with plenty of further sellable assets
It does seem unusual that this year the relegated prem sides have retained far more of their better players than perhaps they would have done in any other season.
Crowbar6753
We are down to our last forward, and that last forward cannot play the lone striker role which clearly isnt his fault i guess. So we either play the false 9 system with no striker (However, we're not skillful like Spain so don't go there) or we play two up top to play to Baldock's strengths i guess.
Maybe Aluko could play the second striker but i doubt it, what is this Melvin Lambert like? he's scored 4 in three games for the U18s!! sounds like he knows where the net is and he's 18 yrs old which isn't that young these days.
Let's be honest, we play Brentford next and there's not a hope of holding these guys to a goaless draw lol.
So i would be bold a go for a 5-3-2, of:
Holmes, Morrison, Moore (Back Three)
Esteves & Gibson (Wing Backs)
Ejaria, Laurent, Olise (Midfield with Laurent staying deep to proctect the back three & also to give Rino a rest)
Melvin Lambert & Baldock (Forwards, Aluko to replace Melvin Lambert if it doesn't work out)
This would give us a strong back three, which will become a back five when Brentford have the ball. When we attack, Esteves and Gibson can support the attack.
Laurent will play the holding midfield role and protecting the back three, and Olise and Ejaria can do their thing.
And i guess with Lambert and Baldock, well they'll just have to do their best to cause some sort of threat to their defence.
Let's be honest, with these injuries, we're in a bit of a pickle!! we'll probably get rinsed, but lets go down with a bang and give it a go!!
Maybe Aluko could play the second striker but i doubt it, what is this Melvin Lambert like? he's scored 4 in three games for the U18s!! sounds like he knows where the net is and he's 18 yrs old which isn't that young these days.
Let's be honest, we play Brentford next and there's not a hope of holding these guys to a goaless draw lol.
So i would be bold a go for a 5-3-2, of:
Holmes, Morrison, Moore (Back Three)
Esteves & Gibson (Wing Backs)
Ejaria, Laurent, Olise (Midfield with Laurent staying deep to proctect the back three & also to give Rino a rest)
Melvin Lambert & Baldock (Forwards, Aluko to replace Melvin Lambert if it doesn't work out)
This would give us a strong back three, which will become a back five when Brentford have the ball. When we attack, Esteves and Gibson can support the attack.
Laurent will play the holding midfield role and protecting the back three, and Olise and Ejaria can do their thing.
And i guess with Lambert and Baldock, well they'll just have to do their best to cause some sort of threat to their defence.
Let's be honest, with these injuries, we're in a bit of a pickle!! we'll probably get rinsed, but lets go down with a bang and give it a go!!
Franconian Royal
Mick Gooding has said it on numerous occasions in commentary, that Baldock is quick over 5-10m. The point I'm making is if that ball goes over the top and it's in the pocket behind the defence and goalkeeper, he could use it. We shouldn't expect him to get near balls that 6 foot defenders will head away. To feet or chest, he's fine, to head is just asking for the ball to come back at us with interest. Play 2 up top with Melvin-Lambert and see what happens (as said already by another poster).
SCIAG
I've not always subscribed to the parachute payment being an issue, but it does really feel like those 3 teams have a massive advantage over everyone else this year. Even a team like Brentford who you think would be very strong after selling 45m worth of players and reinvesting some well, look at a distinct disadvantage if they get a few injuries
Said it all when Norwich had Cantwell on Hugill coming on really. I think they've played the game well tbh, went up, pocketed the money, sold a couple for a decent amount, and now they are sitting pretty with a shed load of cash in their pocket, and a young side with plenty of further sellable assets
It does seem unusual that this year the relegated prem sides have retained far more of their better players than perhaps they would have done in any other season.
Have they?
Bournemouth have lost Wilson, Fraser, Ake and Ramsdale. Norwich have lost Godfrey and Lewis. Watford have lost Doucoure, Pereyra, Dawson and Deulofeu.
Contrastingly after our first relegation from that level we lost Kitson, Little, Sonko and Shorey, but Little had spent the last year out injured and Sonko wasn’t a starter any more. The next time we only lost Kebe and Mariappa. Without checking, I think losing 2-4 is probably normal.
South Coast Royal
Also it’s very unusual for all 3 PL relegated clubs to be up at the top. Usually 1 or 2 of them are having a bit of difficulty adjusting.
yes thats true. I'm not sure why particularly this year. Norwich always seemed to plan to come back down, but not sure on the others
The only conclusion has to be that (although we say it every year) the division this year is not very good.
All 3 of the relegated clubs have sold significant players and not bought any of note.
Speaking just of Bournemouth, leading striker Callum Wilson, first team keeper Ramsdale, first team centre-back Nathan Ake and Ryan Fraser have all gone plus older squad players, Charlie Daniels, Pugh and Surman.
The only player coming in was Riquelme.
All of those and they are in 2nd spot-Watford and Norwich have had less sales but have still sold players particularly in the case of Norwich the full-back Jamal Lewis and Watford Doulafeu and Doucoure.
Brentford sold their best 2 players and yet are right up there with the relegated sides.
From a Reading perspective the unknown is how much we can and will spend in the window as we definitely need some additions if we are to keep up with the pace.
All of the above probably have funds, including the 3 with parachute payments, to spend so could improve squads that are already doing quite well.
Snowflake Royal
The season just doesn't really compare IMO.
Started late, schedule crammed, little to no fans...
Completely changes the dynamic.
I think the lack of fans may have benefited the relegated sides as there's less pressure and expectation and no one to quickly turn if something doesn't go right because they're used to losing after relegation.
Then also the smaller and quieter sides aren't quite as intimidated by big crowds and there's the influence they have on refs.
Also none of the relegated sides are ones that have been hanging on for a while and in dire straits. They're all in relatively good shape.
Started late, schedule crammed, little to no fans...
Completely changes the dynamic.
I think the lack of fans may have benefited the relegated sides as there's less pressure and expectation and no one to quickly turn if something doesn't go right because they're used to losing after relegation.
Then also the smaller and quieter sides aren't quite as intimidated by big crowds and there's the influence they have on refs.
Also none of the relegated sides are ones that have been hanging on for a while and in dire straits. They're all in relatively good shape.
This Championship game took place 1214 days ago in the 2020/2021 season.