Reading v QPR player ratings

Jake Bidwell had an injury-time penalty saved at the Madejski Stadium, where Sone Aluko’s superb goal gave Reading victory in a match QPR dominated for large spells. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 1-0 defeat.

Alex Smithies: 6

Beaten by a cracking strike by Aluko for Reading’s goal. Had little to do after that as Rangers tried in vain to find an equaliser.

Darnell Furlong: 8

Continued his fine run of form with another excellent performance at right-back. Having done well against Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon last time out, he impressed up against the dangerous Modou Barrow and also caught the eye going forward, delivering a couple of excellent crosses into the box.

Nedum Onuoha: 7

The Rangers skipper also did well at the back. He won a number of challenges and did superbly to thwart Barrow on one of the few occasions the winger managed to get away from Furlong.

Joel Lynch: 6

Steady at the back alongside Onuoha and was strong in the air. Could have done more to prevent Reading’s goal though.

Jake Bidwell: 6

A day to forget for the left-back, who was beaten by Aluko in the build-up to the goal and had an injury-time penalty saved. In mitigation, his overall display was a decent one – he was mostly solid defensively and also got forward – and he was not helped by his team-mates, especially Lynch, after being beaten out wide by Aluko before the ex-Fulham man hammered home.

Jordan Cousins: 6

Hardworking and was quick to close down, but didn’t influence the game to any great degree before going off in the second half.

Josh Scowen: 7

Composed and effective in midfield. Controlled things with minimal fuss.

Luke Freeman: 8

Played very well, especially during an outstanding spell in the first half when Reading couldn’t contain him. Always looked to create, found space at will, and was a threat with his deliveries from set pieces.

Pawel Wszolek: 6

Full of energy on the flank, but the end product was missing. Set up a great chance for Conor Washington and had an opportunity of his own.

Paul Smyth: 7

Lively. Is exciting to watch and has very quick feet. Never let Reading’s centre-backs settle, but might have done better with a first-half chance.

Conor Washington: 5

Another hugely disappointing showing from the striker, who is surely running out of time and chances at Rangers. Posed very little threat before going off midway through the second half – and missed a great chance to equalise when he fired wide soon after Reading’s goal.

Matt Smith: 7

Worried Reading in the air after coming on. Headed wide from a Bidwell cross.

Massimo Luongo: 6

Introduced at the right time, with Cousins clearly tiring.

Ebere Eze: 6

Showed flashes of his ability after coming on and sent a shot narrowly wide of the target.