READING FC lost their first home game of the 2022-23 Championship season, falling to newly-promoted Sunderland 3-0 on Wednesday night.
Both sides struggled to find any rhythm in the first half, but a quickfire double from Patrick Roberts on the stroke of half-time put the visitors ahead.
It was more of the same for the Royals in the second half as the Black Cats added a third, this time through Jack Clarke.
Paul Ince’s men will need to regroup quickly as they make the trip up to Wigan this weekend.
Joe Lumley 5: His defensive line offered him minimal protection for all three goals. Cannot fault the keeper tonight.
Andy Yiadom 4: Lost the battle with Clarke, who succeeded in getting the wrong side of the defender on a number of occasions. Got a little more joy offensively in the second half.
Tom Holmes 4: Overcommitted for Sunderland’s second and failed to read and cut off the pass in behind himself and Yiadom throughout the match. Was dispossessed in dangerous positions too many times.
Sam Hutchinson 4: Just about did enough to stop the powerful Simms from tearing through on goal in the first half. Looked off the pace and was replaced with half an hour on the clock.
Tom McIntyre 4: Could not handle the guile of Roberts, who jinked past the centre-back for both goals. Found himself shortchanged for pace for the third. A night to forget for the Scot.
Junior Hoilett 5: Was caught halfway up the pitch for both goals. In his defence, there should have been enough defenders in position to divert the threat. Was not able to fashion any chances when deployed up top in the second half.
Tyrese Fornah 5: A tidy display from the 20-year-old, who carried the ball forward well in the first half. Lost possession a couple of times after taking one touch too many.
Mamadou Loum 3: A disappointing performance from the midfielder who probably was not ready to start tonight. A half-hearted challenge allowed Sunderland to break forward for the second. Was replaced by Rahman at half-time.
Jeff Hendrick 5: A quiet showing from the Irishman. Did his best to disrupt Sunderland’s midfield, but was unable to establish a foothold in the middle of the park.
Tom Ince 6: Tried his best to set the tone for the team. Was relentless in his effort to get Reading on the front foot, but was left visibly frustrated.
Lucas Joao 4: Struggled to get into the game. Seemed reluctant to do the dirty work he did so commendably against Stoke.
Baba Rahman 5: Was able to offer an offensive threat down Reading’s left in the second half.
Yakou Meite 4: The one positive Reading can take from tonight is seeing Meite back in action. The Ivorian was given 25 minutes, but could not impact the game.
Subs: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Guinness-Walker, Craig, Ehiobhatiomhan
