Mixed feelings after that game; we lost, we (occasionally) looked the more threatening, we have some serious rebuilding to do, we could have sneaked a draw...

Ratings:

Mannone: 7 Did his job well enough, would have been an 8 if he’d got lucky with their goal

Gunter: 5 Needs to CLOSE DOWN.

Richards: 4 At fault for the goal (perhaps?) and looked an academy player playing up a level

Moore: 7 Bossed it and, had we won, he’d get an 8 -(not a centre forward though)

Illori: 7 Moments of class when he steps into midfield, benefitted by Moore’s confidence. Some good blocks and good tackles.

Edwards: 5 Looked like I do in midfield, can’t work out whether to look forwards or backwards

Kelly: 3/6 First half was like a toddler playing with boys 3 years older, second half he did what he’s good at, getting/giving passes to make space

Bacuna: 6/3 I HATE to say this, but he’s a full back. I know he wants to be a midfielder, but his skill set is suited to full back- a better Gunter if you will. Can’t blame him for the red card, I would have done the same. Still giving him a second half 3 though

Aluko: 3 Got the ball, drifted inside, gave it simple. That’s not your job!!! (Oh, and vaguely rate him!)

Barrow: 7 Outrageous skill followed by ludicrous overconfidence. Fizzled out when Fulham realise she was the only threat.

JDB: 6 Neither a target man nor a channel runner, nor an off the shoulder number 9. Didn’t drop for him I guess

Subs

Kermorgant: 4 Retire mate, we’ll still love you and your song

Martin: 3 oxf*rd off mate, we’ll never love you or sing you a proper song (clearly a good player if he gave a shit)

Swift: 7 Weird. Really weird. Looks overweight yet played defensively well and nearly made a couple of telling offensive passes. Get fit for ‘18/‘19 fella


General thoughts....

-Fulham didn’t sing until 86th minute
-Clappers are just noise
-Clement is going to have us mid table next season for sure
-We need a proper ball winning midfielder and 3 forwards (barrow and Aluko can stay)
-Bacuna needs to accept he’s our new right back

Oh well, the results went our way again!!

I have the experience of watching Reading for twenty years or so, which has given me a decent enough basis for recognising when football is good or bad.

One thing I don’t have, is the experience and/or knowledge of someone who has worked in football coaching or management as a full time vocation.

With all of this in mind, i am really struggling to underatand what has happened in the last four fixtures - all of which I have watched.

We have come out with 6 points from a possible 12. Three of these matches have been against some teams in great form (QPR, Villa and Fulham), and the fourth against a team who have been an ever present in the top half this campaign (Preston).

We sacked a manager recently because we were not getting the results we needed, and the confidence within the team looked shot to pieces.

A new manager has come in, and the only tangible difference I can see between the two styles is that instead of trying to pass the ball out of defence we are giving it a big hoof instead.

We have 2/3 shots on target in four matches and somehow manage to win two of them. How has that happened?

I have seen nothing from the four performances to suggest that we have improved, yet we find ourselves in a better position than we would have done under the previous manager (probably).

Football is a strange game, and I think we have been an absolute anomaly over the last fortnight. Aside from a couple of decent forays in the opening 20 minutes, we offered absolutely nothing this evening, yet some fans on twitter are hailing the performance as an improvement. Anyone care to offer and explanation?

Haha, good question. Agree!

Just back
A bit disappointing that the first Fulham Attack leads to a goal. We bossed the game before that.
Although not having to work their keeper much we seemed to have overall control of the game. Fulham huffed and puffed and are probably relieved to have gained three points.
I have seen much better teams than them and funnily Cardiff aren't one of them.

Our fans have found their Mojo again and I thought on the whole were pretty good. Fulham fans were dreadful. Worse than ever. Those stupid clappy things are just annoying.

At the end of the day another game gone and the teams below have one less game to catch us up. Happy Days!

Totally disagree with this - the defence look far more assured on the ball knowing that they can hit it long if they need to. That said, it's by no means the go to option and you can see they are playing the ball out when possible.

All in all, a decent defensive performance let down by one defensive lapse. At first viewing it appeared to be Richards who lost his man but I would need to see it again. We never threatened but I don't think they looked much like scoring either.

Clement seems to be doing a good job of getting us organised and you can't argue much with that. The red cards are a worry, although I thought Bacuna could have got away with a yellow; it was a stupid challenge to make regardless.

Three points on Saturday is a must.

Saw some helmets wearing half and half Reading/Fulham scarfs

I was very drunk and paid little attention to the game but what I did see was that whilst we didn’t do anything, we also made Fulham look distinctly oxf*rd average and their goal was soft as shit (though they did hit the post).

Wont do players but will talk about support.

Thought we were for the most part excellent, really up for it and had a laugh, was like the reading of old - missed that feeling. Had a mild disagreement with a fan about his view of the piazon chants queuing up for beer. He was really affronted by them, didn’t understand it myself. The chants were against piazon, not condoning his actions, he seemed to have got really upset by even mentioning it.

Anyway, as far as the performance goes there was lots to be encouraged by, for a start we actually went for it unlike Villa. Don’t get me wrong, we were shit, but like not even remotely as shit as we possibly could have been.

On to Sunderland!

Totally disagree with this - the defence look far more assured on the ball knowing that they can hit it long if they need to. That said, it's by no means the go to option and you can see they are playing the ball out when possible.

All in all, a decent defensive performance let down by one defensive lapse. At first viewing it appeared to be Richards who lost his man but I would need to see it again. We never threatened but I don't think they looked much like scoring either.

Clement seems to be doing a good job of getting us organised and you can't argue much with that. The red cards are a worry, although I thought Bacuna could have got away with a yellow; it was a stupid challenge to make regardless.

Three points on Saturday is a must.

You've actually made my point all the more puzzling with your assessment above. I think rather than dwelling too much on my point about how we clear out of defence, I was focusing more on how very little the style has changed under Clement yet we've managed to pick up two favourable results - you've reaffirmed that even further with the point you made.

I suppose I'm just perplexed how a team who couldn't buy a win under a previous manager have made a change that has resulted in much less goal scoring chances being created, but the results have improved.

Be intersting to see how we play against a lesser team (ie the next 3) particularly if we don’t get an early goal

The games have panned out as they have at home due to us scoring an early goal, and away as we’ve played 2 decent teams

Totally disagree with this - the defence look far more assured on the ball knowing that they can hit it long if they need to. That said, it's by no means the go to option and you can see they are playing the ball out when possible.

All in all, a decent defensive performance let down by one defensive lapse. At first viewing it appeared to be Richards who lost his man but I would need to see it again. We never threatened but I don't think they looked much like scoring either.

Clement seems to be doing a good job of getting us organised and you can't argue much with that. The red cards are a worry, although I thought Bacuna could have got away with a yellow; it was a stupid challenge to make regardless.

Three points on Saturday is a must.

You've actually made my point all the more puzzling with your assessment above. I think rather than dwelling too much on my point about how we clear out of defence, I was focusing more on how very little the style has changed under Clement yet we've managed to pick up two favourable results - you've reaffirmed that even further with the point you made.

I suppose I'm just perplexed how a team who couldn't buy a win under a previous manager have made a change that has resulted in much less goal scoring chances being created, but the results have improved.

Defensive organisation. Keeping clean sheets gives you a chance of winning a game with a moment of magic/opposition error/set piece as has proved to be the case in the two home games..

The irony is that we looked far more likely to score prior to Clement yet fans were bored to death by the way we went about it. Seems it's far more entertaining to watch us let the opposition have the ball then defend for our lives with headers/blocks/chasing down etc.

We've had more red cards than shots on target in the four games so far!!!!!

Bottom line is Clement's only remit is survival. The change has got the fans onside again and that's more than good enough for now.

Yes and in Clement's defence , Villa aside, he's picked pretty attacking line ups on paper. The lack of confidence is still pretty obviously there which I guess is why he's making it less complicated at the moment. To play the way Stam wanted to it really needs everyone to be comfortable, confident and showing for the ball. When that doesn't happen it meant we had centre halves and even the keeper trying to make something happen. Not really a recipe for success. So clearly Clement has taken a lot of that responsibility away so they can concentrate more on defending.

As an aside it seems evident as a general rule of thumb that Managers/coaches that favour possession based football seem lacking in the area of defensive coaching/organisation even when , as in Stams's case, they were one of the best defenders themselves. See also Rodgers, Guardiola, Wenger.

Just realised that’s 2 shots on target in 4 games with 3 red cards.

First half we played very well. Until conceding a weak goal. Special shout out to Edwards who in the first half was everywhere and did everything. I apologise for suggesting you should retire. Twice.

Second half we became incapable of stringing together a few passes. The heads noticeably dropped and when Martin came on our shape vanished and we became sloppy.

I noticed Barrow was very agitated in the second half and twice refused to run after a through ball he wasn't expecting. He's been a wonderful player for us in this awful season but I wonder if he has am attitude problem? It's not the first time he has had a go at teammates and teammates have gesticulated at him to others as if to say "he's doing it again" anyone else notice the extremely negative body language amongst the players? (I don't blame them)

Bacuna was obviously very fired up and I'm looking forward to seeing who gets sent off next. My money is on Ilori.

I would sum it up as:

1: Two good centre backs playing in a team with a far better defensive shape

2: Serious lack of quality in the final third (Barrow aside)

3: Lack of confidence

In short, if we go behind, we don't have the confidence or quality to get back into the game; but if we get our noses in front, we're just about good enough to hold on.

So far...

PC says he thought that Reading started very well and played the best overall than any of his other games in charge

Only 3 shots all game though and none on target. So that makes 2 shots on target in the 4 games played (feel for the travelling fans there, 180 minutes and nothing on target).

Certainly a lot to do in the summer, whatever happens, before we get a clear idea of what PC’s teams are actually like though.

Overall it seemed a much better performance to me and at least Reading didn’t capitulate though never threatened after the 25th minute.

Totally disagree with this - the defence look far more assured on the ball knowing that they can hit it long if they need to. That said, it's by no means the go to option and you can see they are playing the ball out when possible.

All in all, a decent defensive performance let down by one defensive lapse. At first viewing it appeared to be Richards who lost his man but I would need to see it again. We never threatened but I don't think they looked much like scoring either.

Clement seems to be doing a good job of getting us organised and you can't argue much with that. The red cards are a worry, although I thought Bacuna could have got away with a yellow; it was a stupid challenge to make regardless.

Three points on Saturday is a must.

You've actually made my point all the more puzzling with your assessment above. I think rather than dwelling too much on my point about how we clear out of defence, I was focusing more on how very little the style has changed under Clement yet we've managed to pick up two favourable results - you've reaffirmed that even further with the point you made.

I suppose I'm just perplexed how a team who couldn't buy a win under a previous manager have made a change that has resulted in much less goal scoring chances being created, but the results have improved.

football is a very simple game, and by changing the instructions to the defence it has allowed them to concentrate on defending, and ensuring the ball spends less time floating around the edge of our box, thus ensuring we concede fewer goals, which in turn means the goals we do score are now counting more often.

THIS!
Stam over thought a simple way of playing. Clement has come in and must of said, defenders defend and play the simple pass.
By the looks of the last few games. we have at least tried to break away fast - oppo have been making cynical fouls which suggest positioning and passing wise, we are doing something right.

Some suggestions:

Playing it long more often means we have more men behind the ball. It also means that our defenders aren't obliged to make as many forward runs or play with such a wide line. We're much more compact defensively; the gap between left back and right back isn't as big, and nor is the gap between defence and midfield.

The goals have mostly been about individual skill, which isn't unusual when a team is underperforming. I think we'd have probably scored those goals under Stam, but then someone would misplace a pass and we'd be exposed a couple of times and we'd concede.

I think "they're spending more time thinking about defending" is nonsense but it gets at the right idea. Our system ironically made us more likely to lose possession in our own half, where the defence wouldn't be set up properly.

We looked alright in the first 20. I thought Richards actually did quite well going forward and we showed promise penetrating down the flanks.

Their goal was very much against the run of play but once in front they showed why they are 2nd in the league and held out professionally.

Not the end of the world - wasn't expecting anything from the game and put in a decent enough display. Fully expecting a win vs. Sunderland on Saturday to seal safety for sure. A loss could be an issue.

Ticktock

Anyway.. a relatively enjoyable game tbf. Our chance to get something out of it seemingly came and went with the 2 blocked shots a couple of minutes before their goal, which totally knocked the stuffing out of us.

Barrow looked very dangerous in the first 30. Aluko was only ever a danger to himself.

Maybe the half hour of peado chants was a bit much. Heard one woman (reading fan) complaining to the stewards about it, but refusing to repeat what the song was.

I was really worried about the complete lack of connection between players when we attack. You would never believe that those footballers had been on the same pitch together, let alone are in the same team. It was just a case of 'get the ball, head down, run until you get tackled, maybe pass to empty space'.

I did wonder after the game just how much damaged has been done this season - has an air of defeat already infecting the squad?

There has only been one change and it’s that change which has brought about results and tighter performances.

Rather than pissing with the ball out the back and putting us under pressure. Moore and illori are solely concentrating on the art of defending. Win your headers, close the gap, ball goes up and out. They don’t have to think about controlling ball and laying off the pass. It’s as simple as that. Going forward and being relatively toothless is still the same.

Without Barrow we be absolutely oxf*rd.

We were still keen to play the ball out from the back, but instead of the final turn home and pass back we’re sticking it in the channels for Barrow to chase and Aluko to watch.

Make no mistake that we still had some dicey moments that were down to playing around at the back too much.

pretty disappointing to hear Aluko had another poor game. Was hoping the corner had been turned with him after QPR

I did think Kermie looked much more like his 'old self' when he came on, won some good headers and was full of running. At least Clement chose to put him on first ahead of Martin, who yet again was a total waste of space when he strolled on - there was one point near the end, when Aluko had the ball in a promising position on the edge of their box and Martin literally stood there in the way, just killed the chance.

As mentioned elsewhere the lack of threat going forward is worrying, but looks like our new found resilience will see us over the line.

...because every club offers a 3 year contract to a manager they know they might sack after 8 games.

Stop trying to get people banned you pathetic loser.

JD makes a valid point............. and there is only one 'Pathetic Loser' on this board !!

(Damn...... said I wouldn't bite )

There is definitely more than one.

Dellor wanted to kill him last night by the sounds of it.

HMS Shambles well and truly sailed with Green and my attempts to negotiate the capital last night. Met at the Exmouth Arms, a possible new Bree and with £15 dorms upstairs. Pint of Kinsale ale went down well as Green sat in early spring warmth waiting while I completely underestimated the distance to walk from Marylebone. Once checked in, we settled for a tidal IPA for myself and a pale ale for Green, with ten per cent discount for my kipping there later.

Running late, we then perused the can options in Hamad's beer and wines. Green went for the nutty overtones of a Newcastle brown while generic strong polish lager was deemed suitable for my simpler tastes. We jumped on the first tube to arrive only to clock immediately that it was the wrong one. Off after one stop, change to a circle, bit of a sprint at Edgware Road for a district line. We got off the tube to hear what we later worked out was the cheer for the goal ...

With one turnstile left open, all that could frustrate us now was putting the ticket through the right way. Yeah, one of us got that wrong. With about ten minutes of the first half left, we decided not to find seats but get a couple of pints of the riverside ale and watched the embers of the first half on the TV screens. Finally, we had made it.

Anyway.

Football.

What I saw was a poor side scrapping against a marginally better one. Bodvarsson was a bit isolated, Yann put himself about a bit more and Martin has the turning circle of the QE2. He doesn't help himself by looking disinterested. The fans seem much more vocal and better in mood - a good atmosphere perhaps helped by Fulham's more laissez faire attitude to the away end. Defence seemed solid, but perhaps lacking a bit of grit just in front of them. On the basis of what I saw, 0-0 wouldn't have been an unfair result.

Three Bells for a post-match, great pub, and then back to Exmouth for my berth. Some prick had scattered my kit on the floor and taken my spot. Collecting my thoughts, then my possessions, i sorted a different bed. Sadly for the other occupants of the dorm, I had a 0630 train to Sheffield today and must have set the very early alarm on my mobile to a higher volume setting than usual. Whoops.