Reading v QPR player ratings
Joey Barton’s free-kick rescued a point for QPR in a match they feel they should have won. Here’s how we rated the R’s players in their 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium.
Rob Green: 7
Produced an important save to keep out Sean Morrison’s header and dealt with a couple of corners very well during a key spell in which Rangers had to absorb some pressure.
Danny Simpson: 7
Had a solid game at right-back and covered a huge amount of ground.
Richard Dunne: 7
Did well to get through the first half before being replaced at the break because of a back problem.
Clint Hill: 7
Adopted a safety-first, no-nonsense approach against Reading’s sprightly attackers, sticking to the basics and putting the ball out of play whenever he was in danger of being isolated. It was the right approach.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 6
The on-loan Tottenham man has obvious class on the ball but he switched off and was caught out a couple of times. Fortunately for the R’s, Reading were unable to take advantage.
Matt Phillips: 6
Still rediscovering his fitness and form after his injury. Caused Reading problems with his pace but missed a good chance to score in the first half after being picked out by Joey Barton.
Gary O’Neil: 7
In for the injured Alejandro Faurlin in central midfield, O’Neil worked hard and was particularly effective in helping his team get a foothold in the game during an opening 20 minutes in which they should have took the lead.
Joey Barton: 8
Rescued a point for Rangers with his free-kick and played well throughout, using the ball sensibly and winning a number of vital challenges in midfield.
Junior Hoilett: 7
Drifted in and out of the game but when in it he was a major threat, hitting the bar with an early long-range effort and bringing a fine save from Alex McCarthy with a low shot towards the bottom corner.
Jermaine Jenas: 6
Prepared to give it a go as the advanced midfielder but a hamstring injury forced him to come off just after the half-hour mark.
Charlie Austin: 5
Did most of the work a lone striker needs to do for his team and showed his usual persistence when things weren’t going his way. However, will be disappointed not to have taken at least one of the chances that came his way. Not blessed with great technique or the quickest feet so often struggles to take the opportunities Rangers’ high-tempo passing style creates for him inside the box.
Niko Kranjcar: 6
One sublime pass aside, Kranjcar’s own hamstring worry meant he found the going tough after replacing Jenas. He struggled to complete the match and is a doubt for Croatia’s World Cup qualification play-off against Iceland.
Nedum Onuoha: 7
Lined up for a development-side game next week, Onuoha made a sooner-than-planned return to action following his hamstring problem after Dunne had to be replaced. Had some anxious moments in the second half but did well.
Andy Johnson: 7
Looked lively after being introduced and almost gave Rangers the lead late on.
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