Joel Pereira: 6
Got a huge glove on a dangerous cross into the box just after the hour mark. The Dons had two strikers rushing through who would have had a free shot without his intervention. Ended that attack shortly after by holding a low shot.
Could do nothing about the Dons’ goal, with the ball travelling fast across the front before being slammed home, low into the side netting. Maybe lucky not to concede though when Sam Nombe could only spoon it towards Pereira when the ball fell to him five yards out.
Udoka Godwin-Malife: 6
Whipped
in a fantastic cross for Lane to stab home, hanging it in the corridor of uncertainty between the ‘keeper and back line.
Caught with a runner on his blindside for the Dons’ goal, but probably needed support from a midfielder in that moment. Otherwise competed well physically and got forward well, playing 11 balls into the final third.
Paudie O’Connor: 7
Good in the air and on the ground today, finishing the game with the most headed clearances of any player on the field.
Made an outstanding sliding interception in the build-up for Reading’s third, getting the counter-attack started. Continued to snap away, cutting out some attacks at source; happy to track far from his back line if the step was his.
Benn Ward: 6
Got up and down the pitch a lot for a centre-back in the first half. Had Reading’s first good chance of the day, heading over the bar from close range. Found himself high up in the box again later, playing a slightly long pass in behind for Reid.
Solid defensively throughout most of the game, only responsible as a member of the unit for the Dons’ goal rather than as an individual.
Haydon Roberts: 6
Booked for a cynical challenge to try to slow things down on a counter-attack – unfortunately couldn’t stop the ball though, leading to advantage played as well as the yellow.
Otherwise competed well physically and did well to play cleanly but firmly on a yellow throughout the back hour of the game.
Put in a scintillating ball at the back post for Lisbie, unlucky not to be rewarded with a goal.
Lewis Wing: 7
Had one of his best games of the season today, involved in many of the goals with smart balls around the corner for the attackers to chase. Given an opportunity from a set-piece early in the game, curling it over the wall but unable to get it down again.
Started the second half in good form, playing some cutting balls forward and winning the ball back in midfield when he lost it. Played the ball out for Lane in the buildup to the third goal.
Andy Rinomhota: 5
Not his game today. Rino was quiet with most of the play going through Wing alongside him. He’s travelled a lot recently between international breaks and away fixtures, so some fatigue is understandable.
Kyreece Lisbie: 8
Showed signs of danger in the first half before coming alive in the second.
Involved in three of Reading’s second-half goals, though unfortunately couldn’t claim the comedy own-goal that took the game away from MK Dons two minutes into the period. Caused the danger with his dart into the box off Reid’s high win.
Rewarded with another gift from the Dons’ defence shortly after to finally get himself on the scoresheet. Slipping between the last defender and the ‘keeper, Lisbie passed the ball into an empty net before streaking off to celebrate with a packed away end.
The third second-half goal, and his second, was no gift. Lisbie found room in the half space to latch onto a Stokes ball forward before thumping the ball home at the near post.
If you don’t listen to the pod, you may not have heard our Lisbie pass counter, or known that Lisbie very rarely passes the ball. Today, Lisbie passed the ball twice in the entire game, taking 4x as many touches in the opposition box.
Doesn’t matter when you put it in the back of the net twice. Who needs to pass?
Josh Stokes: 7
Played out an intelligent first half, often helping Reading make space for a cross by making a run from the wide area back into the centre of the pitch. Made a few nice recovering tackles as well, sliding in to retrieve possession.
Overall, showed good work rate, tracking all the way back to end a dangerous counter-attack at the end of the first half. Was still working doggedly in midfield throughout.
Knocked the ball over the top for Lisbie to latch onto and score his second. Repeated the trick a few minutes later, finding Brown with a slide rule pass into the middle of the box for another assist.
Paddy Lane: 7
On fire today, clearly feeling full of confidence. Timed his run perfectly to nip ahead of his full-back and score Reading’s opener. Did all he needed to, redirecting Dokes’ powerful cross into the back of the net.
Caused the confusion for Lisbie’s first goal with a curling loft in behind that snuck between the ‘keeper and defender. Looked dangerous throughout and a completely different player from last season’s version.
Jamie Reid: 6
Gave his defenders a tough time in the opening period, getting involved in a physical battle. Occasionally needed more help from the officials, but worked hard.
Won the ball for Reading in the build-up to the second goal, stealing it from the Dons defender trying to clear the ball.
Subs
Jacob Brown: 6
Returned to his usual super-sub role today and relished it, finding spaces all over the field against a tiring and frustrated defence.
Firmly slotted home the ball across the front to take his season tally in all competitions to five.
Randell Williams: N/A
Replaced Lisbie late on to help Reading see out the game.
Daniel Kyerewaa: N/A
Clearly wanted to get onto the scoresheet when he got onto the field, drifting around in the Dons final third. Just a half-yard off though, sending a cross out of bounds, and being caught offside in the centre of the box.
Liam Fraser: N/A
Made a small cameo appearance toward the end, and helped Reading to recycle a late attack.
Average: 6.41/10
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