31 October 2012
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Brian McDermott put last night's stunning collapse at the hands of Arsenal down as the worst defeat of his career. The Royals were 4-0 up against Arsenal and dominating the fixture. But if there was ever a game to be described by the often used cliche of "game of two halves" then this was it. Arsenal pulled one back just before half time and then the game turned around as Arsenal dominated the second half to make it 4-4 at full time. Extra time was equally dramatic and the visitors eventually ended 5-7 winners to dump Reading out of the League Cup.
Speaking after the game McDermott said "It was kamikaze football. It was extraordinary. It's the worst defeat of my career. It is embarrassing but we have to take it on the chin and move on. It's hard to take positives but we have to." Meanwhile Mikele Leigertwood summed it up nicely: "I've not been involved in a game like that since I was a schoolboy, it was disappointing to say the least."
It was obviously a happier night for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger - who was suprised to have such a career highlight in a League Cup game at Reading: "This was maybe my greatest comeback, I don't know. [The League Cup] is not my priority but had we gone out like we could have gone out it would not have been one of my proudest nights. We went from disaster to rescuing some pride. You cannot play for Arsenal and give up. You always see new things in our game, that's why it's never boring."
It certainly wasn't a boring night at the Madejski. Reading fans experienced the full swing of emotions. It was utter elation at being 4-0 up against Arsenal - a team Reading have never beaten in competitive football. And then utter dispair at such a dramatic collapse and letting in an astonishing 7 goals at home in a game we should have seen out. Reading, also made history for being the first ever team to score five goals in both the FA Cup and League Cup and still lose the game. At least Sky Sports will be pleased with their choice of live game.
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