Wasn't our best football, wasn't our worst either, I think it was a shade under the level we performed at against BC. Bit of a scrappy start for us, passing was erratic and way under par, but towards the end of first half we began to pick it up and started dominating Reading, although throughout the match Reading wasn't letting us have it all our own way. 37th minute mark saw Pirlo suffering from a knock and was replaced by Alioski, this created a Kaleidoscope shuffle around at the back with White coming into Pirlo's position. While we began dominating Reading to a certain extent, it's the same old same old, we seriously lack goal scoring talent; I don't think our 3 strikers could strike a light in dark between'em. Seriously, it's gone beyond a joke and is a serious worry for the run in. Second half we came out and carried on where we left off in first half and we began putting more pressure on Reading goal with somewhat better passing football. 57th minute saw Costa back heel to Pablo who's first shot was blocked. Pablo got the rebound, passed the same player and placed the ball in top right hand corner, 1-0. We continued to dominate Reading in patches, they did provide a couple of scares with a few quick breaks but Kiko did well with a few fine saves throughout the match, especially towards end of game. The defence did a good job and Readings shooters did a good job of being off target with most of their shots. Harrison, Bamford, Costa, same old same old, and will probably be same old same old till end of season. If we get promoted, and Bielsa's still here, these are the 3 strikers we've got to look forward too in PL, and that's a worry, never mind till end of this season. Both Pablo and Klich are getting back to their best, their passes were finding their way through the Reading defences, if they both improve their performances every game we should be ok. Pablo scored a good goal, Diriego said he toe poked it, he didn't, and the highlights will show it, but some will believe it cos Doriego said it. Klich was having a good game in midfield, he seems the only one who's slotted into Saiz's position and he's doing a good job, was the General out their against Reading. I watched Bielsa's post match comments, sorry Ristac, I didn't see anything suggesting Bielsa was unhappy with Klich. He mentioned both Klich and Swift, but nothing showing he was unhappy, Bielsa also mentioned other players. White did an excellent job again slotting in when Pirlo was replaced, held that midfield together for most of his time at CM. I reckon if White played as our main striker he'd score a couple too. Defence did a good job, we got caught a few times with the breaks but, with the help of Kiko they managed to soak it up like a sponge. Ayling did a good job on Puskas.......Puskas and Pele playing in same match for same team, who'd have thunk it. Kiko for me seemed a bit more relaxed, while he kept a clean sheet, he also pulled off some good saves. There was one where he came out to his right as a Reading player was bearing down on ball, Kiko did enough, and his job to put the player off, otherwise it could've been a totally different story if the player got his shot on target. Haven't read any plaudits for Kiko, I know some are hoping he gets a ban so Meisler can play, as it turned out, apparently Kiko was playing with 2 sprained or broken fingers; if anyone knows anything about keepers, that's painfull when the painkillers / spray wears off. Conor mentioned he's not worried about performances, just getting the points, well Conor, in order to get the 3 points the team has to put in decent performances, even though we may grind a couple of results out between now and end of season. Enjoy. Short ext highlights highlights from other angles Bielsa post match comments Pablo post match interview Conor post match Jack and Tash pre and post match comments, plus highlights. Fans eye view. Great football chants, I love'em, and kiko's been charged for allegedly what?
Some highlights. Didn't feature Ayling shaving the post in what was probably our best chance. Why does the bold Captain keep posting up fan opinion vids? Just because they uploaded a vid, it doesn't make their opinions any more valid, interesting, or accurate than anyone's on here. Is it because he's found some sad, lonely people like himself that might share one or more of his oft-outlandish interpretations?
I’d add that Phillips again contributed very little, especially in the second half. You are too easy on him - If you have favourites try not to let it show in match reports.
