Reading defeated Arsenal Under-21s 5-2 to secure first place in their EFL Trophy group. The match was highly entertaining.
Below are the evaluations.
Joel Garcia, age 7: Not too tested, but made an excellent stop to set up a deft counterattack that resulted in Caylan Vickers’ score in the first half.
Nespresso Walker-Guinness, 6: Copped way out of position, but Guinness-Walker’s story appears to be the same. Although the full-back is energetic when playing forward, he struggles with concentration when playing defense.
Tom Holmes, 6: The skipper gave a strong showing and, overall, appeared too excellent for the level. was restrained by Reiss Nelson, but the winger is too talented to be participating in the EFL Trophy as a regular in the Premier League.
Harlee Dean, 5: The experienced defender dived in too early and totally missed the ball as Pereira brought down an Arsenal forward to give away a first-half penalty. He also gave away a dubious second-half penalty himself.
Matt Carson, 6: Similar to Guinness-Walker, the youngster is always a threat with his crossing ability but still has improvements to make defensively.
Michael Craig, 7: Another imperious midfield performance from the youngster, who loved nothing more than throwing himself into big tackles and coming away with the ball. A bright future is ahead for the combative star.
Amadou Mbengue, 6: Quietly went about his business without the erratic play which he is sometimes known for in defense.
Paul Mukariu, 7: One of his better displays in a Reading shirt, causing havoc out wide. The only thing missing was a goal, but two assists are nothing to scoff at.
Caylan Vickers, 8: The star performer on the pitch, the teenager took his goal expertly and grabbed himself an assist. He left defenders looking silly on occasion and appeared to make the right decision almost every time he had the ball.
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, 7: Took his goals clinically and should have walked away with a hattrick had he converted his penalty
Jayden Wareham, 6: Did everything but score. His link-up play was great, and he was always a willing runner. Goals will come.
Substitutes
Lewis Wing, 6: He quietly went about his business without much fuss. It did not catch the eye positively or negatively; it was just a solid cameo to keep the game ticking over.
Harvey Knibbs, 7: Bundle of energy when he came on for the final half hour, taking his goal very well on the half-volley.
Clinton Mola, 6: Loved to get forward and could have grabbed a goal himself. Needed minutes in the tank.
Sam Smith, 6: The man loves nothing more than scoring goals, and now he has made it three goals in three games as he returns from injury.
Charlie Wellens, n/a
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