MATCHWATCH : Leyton Orient (a)

[Brogue]

Not Pereira's best game but he gets a free pass from me because of all the points we have gained from him probably being the best keeper in the division and with a lesser keeper we could well be in the relegation places, so tight is the league.

I guess he is instructed to kick long-I recall Hunt saying that up front we are looking for knock-downs but that tactic isn't great with a midget as our central striker.

There are many things wrong with this side but I want my keeper making saves and full-backs making tackles before worrying about how they set up play going forward.

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

[MR. CYNICAL]

There was something I meant to add to the previous post but didn’t, and it concerns Pereira. I gather from this board that he’s a bit of a fans’ favourite and no doubt there are good reasons for that, every keeper plays a blinder occasionally. There was some evidence yesterday, albeit scant that he was average to good as shot stopping, but my concern was about his distribution. When he clears long from a back pass or even a placed kick, he tends to hang it up high in the air. Maybe that is his thing, maybe not adept enough to make a lower or better aimed clearance, although many goalkeepers have added that to thei skillset in recent years. The effect of him constantly hanging it up into the clouds is that it gives the defenders time to get into position to make a positive clearance and opposition midfielders ample time to get in an attacking position knowing full well they are likely to shortly receive the ball. This coupled with the fact that invariably Marriott, who is not a target man, is under the clearance as the last man and, not his fault, does not usually win possession instantly puts us on the back foot. Is that a factor in our play that could be quickly improved? Surely it can be.

Not Pereira's best game but he gets a free pass from me because of all the points we have gained from him probably being the best keeper in the division and with a lesser keeper we could well be in the relegation places, so tight is the league.

I guess he is instructed to kick long-I recall Hunt saying that up front we are looking for knock-downs but that tactic isn't great with a midget as our central striker.

There are many things wrong with this side but I want my keeper making saves and full-backs making tackles before worrying about how they set up play going forward.

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

Don't think competing in the air is the issue though, no point in winning it in the air if we don't pick up the second ball, on the occasions Marriott and Kelvin have flicked it on, invariably it goes straight to a defender as all the attacking players are too far apart.
It's holding the ball up that is lacking, hopefult Keane is good at that.

[Brogue]

Not Pereira's best game but he gets a free pass from me because of all the points we have gained from him probably being the best keeper in the division and with a lesser keeper we could well be in the relegation places, so tight is the league.

I guess he is instructed to kick long-I recall Hunt saying that up front we are looking for knock-downs but that tactic isn't great with a midget as our central striker.

There are many things wrong with this side but I want my keeper making saves and full-backs making tackles before worrying about how they set up play going forward.

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

Don't think competing in the air is the issue though, no point in winning it in the air if we don't pick up the second ball, on the occasions Marriott and Kelvin have flicked it on, invariably it goes straight to a defender as all the attacking players are too far apart.
It's holding the ball up that is lacking, hopefult Keane is good at that.

exactly; if you haven't anyone in these circles then you could have Haaland up front and it wouldn't make a difference

[Sutekh]

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

Randell is a defender in the same way as Garcia. But even 2 goals isn’t really brilliant. You’d be looking for your centre backs to get involved which, in turn means you’d want to be set piece experts but as we’ve seen this season Reading are largely pants at corners and aren’t getting much opportunity with getting free kicks in dangerous places. The coaching needs to be working on these elements (and long throws too which not every club has so is an extra advantage).

As you’d probably expect the top two, Cardiff and Lincoln, are getting goals from all over the place, defence chipping in reasonably regularly on top of the forwards and midfield. Looking at the clubs around Reading e.g. Bolton, Huddersfield, Luton & Stevenage only Luton and Stevenage have a good defensive contribution while lacking a little in other areas. Bolton and Huddersfield have 5 defensive goals between them though so are about Reading’s level.

[leon]

He's literally told you he's seen him play and gets to games you bellend.

I can't admit I'm wrong and think I'm better than the rest of you.

and there are people who say you are completely humourless. How wrong they are. Self deprecating satire is a tricky one to pull off. Bravo!

[leon]

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

Don't think competing in the air is the issue though, no point in winning it in the air if we don't pick up the second ball, on the occasions Marriott and Kelvin have flicked it on, invariably it goes straight to a defender as all the attacking players are too far apart.
It's holding the ball up that is lacking, hopefult Keane is good at that.

exactly; if you haven't anyone in these circles then you could have Haaland up front and it wouldn't make a difference

been saying this for at least 2 two seasons now. The gaps in midfield when we have possession in our, middle or opponents third is massive. Real problem.

[URZZZZ]

It's getting tiresome hearing that our supposed 'best' players when combined in midfield are routinely being overrun in game after game...

Bite the bullet Leam and change it up...

I’d like to see Fraser get a run in the XI, thought he was our MOTM against Burton a couple of weeks ago. Holds his position well and has a good eye for a pass

It’s a conundrum as to how he fits in though, Wing for his obvious qualities and Savage for his energy and legs. Mooted a few times but personally don’t think those three as a midfield gives us enough offensively (a midfield three Hunt was often criticised for!) especially given the lack of potency from our wide players

Think Doyle is actually growing into his role well too even if he’s a little on the lightweight side

[Hound]

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

Yes though as mentioned before results were pretty good without Marriott playing and we still scored in each game

But obviously he should start atm. I think I’d bring in Kelvin and Keane for Doyle and Ritchie, though that doesn’t leave us much to change up with on the bench.

[Brogue]

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

Yes though as mentioned before results were pretty good without Marriott playing and we still scored in each game

But obviously he should start atm. I think I’d bring in Kelvin and Keane for Doyle and Ritchie, though that doesn’t leave us much to change up with on the bench.

Kelvin needs to start bringing more end product to his game - 0 assists and 3 goals in 21 games is not good enough.

Ritchie is an odd one, despite him going missing in games all the time. He has 4 assists in his 13 league games this season. 577 minutes he’s been on the pitch - an assist every 144 minutes…

[Hound]

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

Yes though as mentioned before results were pretty good without Marriott playing and we still scored in each game

But obviously he should start atm. I think I’d bring in Kelvin and Keane for Doyle and Ritchie, though that doesn’t leave us much to change up with on the bench.

Kelvin needs to start bringing more end product to his game - 0 assists and 3 goals in 21 games is not good enough.

Ritchie is an odd one, despite him going missing in games all the time. He has 4 assists in his 13 league games this season. 577 minutes he’s been on the pitch - an assist every 144 minutes…

Well this is it isn’t it - him, Marriott and Doyle all have good assist/scoring stats but generally don’t do a lot else

Someone like Kelvin has a more rounded game but worse stats on the goals front

DK is somewhere in the middle I guess, though goal contributions per min is similar to KE

Maybe that trio will continue to do that and win us games but we’ll prob continue to look pretty crap whilst doing it. It’s whether it’s sustainable. And tbh I don’t really enjoy watching it

Adding Keane in may give us the best of both if we’re lucky

[Clyde1998]

Not Pereira's best game but he gets a free pass from me because of all the points we have gained from him probably being the best keeper in the division and with a lesser keeper we could well be in the relegation places, so tight is the league.

I guess he is instructed to kick long-I recall Hunt saying that up front we are looking for knock-downs but that tactic isn't great with a midget as our central striker.

There are many things wrong with this side but I want my keeper making saves and full-backs making tackles before worrying about how they set up play going forward.

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

Don't think competing in the air is the issue though, no point in winning it in the air if we don't pick up the second ball, on the occasions Marriott and Kelvin have flicked it on, invariably it goes straight to a defender as all the attacking players are too far apart.
It's holding the ball up that is lacking, hopefult Keane is good at that.

True.

I do wonder how much of the attacking midfield gap is an effect of the players expecting us to lose the ball, so don't progress up the pitch, though. If we had someone who could consistently win headers up the pitch, perhaps that would lead to someone attempting to fill that space.

Holding up the ball is lacking too - which applies regardless of how the ball is progressed up the pitch. I think Marriott's done alright at it, but we'll see if Keane can be an improvement in this area.

[Clyde1998]

Not Pereira's best game but he gets a free pass from me because of all the points we have gained from him probably being the best keeper in the division and with a lesser keeper we could well be in the relegation places, so tight is the league.

I guess he is instructed to kick long-I recall Hunt saying that up front we are looking for knock-downs but that tactic isn't great with a midget as our central striker.

There are many things wrong with this side but I want my keeper making saves and full-backs making tackles before worrying about how they set up play going forward.

It wasn't his best game, but these games happen. Perhaps the signing of Keane will help with the longer ball play - as he seems to be tall enough to actually compete in the air.

As you say though, we need to get the fundamentals of defending sorted; it was too simple for Orient and has been too simple for other sides too consistently this season.

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

We really struggle when sides press our defence: the lack of out ball means we end up punting it under pressure; can't win/hold the ball; and it comes back.

We do have too many players who may do one important thing per game, but don't contribute much outside of that. This potentially leads to our dependence on Wing and Marriott's goals, as those 'luxury players' don't fit well within the overall system - so we can't consistently build and put sides under pressure.

[Clyde1998]

We obvs defended very poorly vs Orient, but we’ve also had games where we’ve defended very well - ie Stockport

I keep saying this but the main issue is the ball never sticks up top, it always just comes back. Better sides take advantage of this and this is when we really struggle. That’s been the real theme of the season to me.

We have no out ball and very very rarely put consistent pressure on teams. We’re very reliant on Wing long rangers or Marriott scoring the one chance a game he seems to get

We’ve 3 players in Doyle, Marriott and Ritchie who barely contribute bar one or two ‘moments’ per match and that’s why we constantly look pretty poor, even when we win

Agreed. Just look at our goalscorers this season, take wing and marriott out and we are fcuked, successful teams get goals from all over the pitch. Not a single goal from a defender this season (depending if you consider Garcia as a defender or not) and only 6 players have score more than one goal.


Reading FC Season League Goalscorers: 19 January 2026

Jack Marriott 9
Lewis Wing 8
Daniel Kyerewaa 3
Kamari Doyle 3
Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 3
Charlie Savage 2
Liam Fraser 1
Paddy Lane 1
Mamadi Camara 1
Andre Garcia 1
Randell Williams 1

Randell is a defender in the same way as Garcia. But even 2 goals isn’t really brilliant. You’d be looking for your centre backs to get involved which, in turn means you’d want to be set piece experts but as we’ve seen this season Reading are largely pants at corners and aren’t getting much opportunity with getting free kicks in dangerous places. The coaching needs to be working on these elements (and long throws too which not every club has so is an extra advantage).

As you’d probably expect the top two, Cardiff and Lincoln, are getting goals from all over the place, defence chipping in reasonably regularly on top of the forwards and midfield. Looking at the clubs around Reading e.g. Bolton, Huddersfield, Luton & Stevenage only Luton and Stevenage have a good defensive contribution while lacking a little in other areas. Bolton and Huddersfield have 5 defensive goals between them though so are about Reading’s level.

Our corners have been largely shocking for years. I don't understand how no-one has taken a serious look at them to see how we could get some consistent threat from them.

IIRC, in the 106 season we scored 99 league goals, but our top scorers got 'only' eighteen goals each (Doyle and Kitson). Basically every player was able to get goals in that team and that made us incredibly difficult to defend against, as our opponents couldn't simply focus on marking a single player out of the game. Top sides can't be dependent on one or two players to get goals, which is something we currently are.