Reading 2-1 Huddersfield Town: Player Ratings

Yesterday at 11:57 AM

The Royals put in a much-improved second half to win at home for the third time in 2024/25.

David Button: 7

Came out to claim the ball well with his first action of the match. His calmness on the ball does allow Reading to be more confident in using a 2-3 in buildup, given that it can effectively become a 3-3 at times with Button able to help cycling the ball.

Conceded from a free-kick for the second week in a row but this time made a save and deserved more help. This time Button palmed away the first effort but could only do so into the waiting jaws of onrushing Huddersfield players. Would've expected more help from his ball-watching defence though.

Put up some good saves when needed, preventing any further ricochets into the box in the opening hour, and made a particularly impressive close-range catch when Bindon and Wing couldn't cut out a close-range header into the box. Button then pawed another searching cross away minutes later.

There was no singularly outstanding save, but Button played a big role as Reading saw out an important win against good opposition.

Michael Craig: 6

Looks very comfortable out at right-back already. Sat on the right side of a 2-3 build-up structure for the most part in the first half, not inverting into the middle as much as perhaps in recent weeks.

Managed by far the most deliveries into the final third of his defensive colleagues in the first half, and was one of the few players capable of retaining possession in those areas.

Amadou Mbengue: 6

Often taken out of the equation either by Huddersfield's attack or the presence of other players in build-up, but helped out when he could at the back.

Another player who gave away a dangerous free-kick outside the box, this time shortly after the restart, and was somewhat lucky to see the offside flag come.

Had a lovely moment in the final 15 minutes, anticipating a loose touch well before striding in and playing a fantastic ball over the top to Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan in the box.

Tyler Bindon: 6

Made some important blocks from crosses coming from Abrefa's side both on the ground and in the air in the first half. He's really struggling to connect with long balls so far this season, and whether a reflection of the runs in front of him, or his performance, it does take away a valuable resource for Reading in attack.

Defensively solid for the most part, winning a majority of his duels, helping Abrefa well, and clearing the ball away multiple times as Reading saw the game out.

Kelvin Abrefa: 6

Today's only starting line-up change, enforced by Jeriel Dorsett's injury. He had an up-and-down opening 20 minutes, needing a little bit of time to get up to the pace of the game and being caught out positionally a few times.

He was more effective as the game went on but to say he "settled down" doesn't feel accurate to his playing style, showing a lot of hustle and bustle and having to do more defensive work than Craig on the other side.

Had to be withdrawn late on with a knock. Seemed to be walking pretty freely in post-game festivities.

Lewis Wing: 6

One uncharacteristically sloppy pass early in the first half saw Wing give the ball away very dangerously while Reading were in buildup.

Very involved in Reading's second goal, recognising the opportunity from Ehibhatiomhan's quick corner, playing a great 1-2 before getting lucky that his searching ball was blocked straight back to Elliott.

Had moments of good energy and defending at the top of Reading's box, helping to deter or block shots with his large frame.

Ben Elliott: 6

Booked for a trip from behind for giving away the free-kick that led to Huddersfield's opening goal, and needs to be a little more careful in general in that department. Elliott has given away a few similarly dangerous set pieces in recent weeks, being punished this time.

Came into the game more in the second half after a weak showing in the first half. Showed great calmness on the ball for his goal, taking the ball across his body before stepping around a lazy challenge and slotting home coolly.

Probably not a complete performance from Elliott recently who's a little out of form from his hot start for Reading, but still took his chance well when it fell to him.

Harvey Knibbs: 7

Started slow today, picking up fewer defensive actions than last time out but showed up when it mattered to help Reading turn the tide in the first half.

Scored a classically Knibbsy goal, stealing the ball on the edge of the area seconds after it had been lost and thundering it home. Knibbs in fact won the ball back twice in about five seconds in that sequence, and his manager will no doubt be delighted with the type of goal scored.

Chem Campbell: 5

Took the ball down with fantastic skill to get Reading driving towards the box for the first time, but missed everyone with his chipped cross. Became a feature of his in the game, with his final product not quite up to snuff.

Again hustled well, winning the ball for Reading in the final third as they came more into the game midway through the first half. We're still waiting for Campbell to convert more opportunities into chances and goals for Reading, but out of possession, he has shown he's a fit for the style Reading play.

Helped Reading get up the pitch by winning two free-kicks early in the second half but couldn't affect the game in attack much more than that and was withdrawn for Akande in the 70th minute.

Sam Smith: 5

Fought well to win Reading an early free-kick when they were struggling to build out, and did some good strong work on the ball in the first half. When the ball is played to his feet, Smith can make a positive contribution, but he appears to be struggling with aerial balls forward this season - he won just three of 11 today.

Again, so very little to rank Smith on today with just 22 touches, and not one in the box. Reading need to find ways to get Smith the ball to his feet, or to find ways to get the crosses to the near post that Smith seems to thrive on.

Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan: 7

Reading's best outlet throughout the game, and the only Royal to really raise the tempo in the first half. Got into a one-on-one down the left on the 15-minute mark and did well to run straight past his defender but couldn't find the right cross.

That proved a taste of things to come though as he burst through again minutes later and earned the full-back a booking when he was taken down.

Still could do better defensively, and he loses far too many duels for a man of his size, but he competed today, and made an important block in the late stages of the first half as Reading conceded a central shot from a corner.

Was back at it early in the second half, with a lovely slide in between two defenders while on the ball saw him glide into the box. Heavily involved in Elliott's goal, creating chaos with a short corner and interplaying with Wing before panicking the defence into a rushed clearance.

Led a counter attack out of Reading's half and played a fantastic ball through for Akande, who couldn't find a shot.

Subs

Adrian Akande: 5

Brought on as the first sub for the third game in a row, but took a while to get involved. Was eventually slipped in behind by Ehibhatiomhan and did well to beat the recovering defender but couldn't find room for a shot once he had sight of goal.

Gave the ball away when he had a chance to clear it late on, and will need to temper his talent with an understanding of the game state he's in moving forward - choosing to play fast rather than smart sometimes.

Charlie Savage: N/A

The best of Reading's substitutes today, shown in a sequence in injury time when both Akande and Dean lost the ball in their own half before Savage cleaned up neatly.

Involved immediately, and perhaps lucky not to be booked when he mistimed his slide tackle while tracking back. Reading needed that energy though, and Savage helped the team win the ball back and clear it away a few times in the closing stages.

Harlee Dean: N/A

Came on late for Abrefa to try to help Reading see the game out. Slotted in at right-centre-back with Mbengue going out to cover Abrefa's left-back role. Couldn't pick a pass on the ball but helped the team clear the ball out.

Average: 6/10

Who was your MOTM against Huddersfield Town? Vote below or through this link.