After a loss away at Cambridge United last time out in the league, and a valiant but ultimately not good enough effort against Premier League Brentford in the cup, a win was much needed going into Saturday’s game against Notts County.
It’s an odd, yet very nice, feeling going into games confident we’re going to create chances. On the whole we’ve been really impressive going forwards so far this season, and when you’ve got the striker up front that we’ve got, that’s a recipe for goals.
While by no means
was it a perfect performance, particularly in the first half, we always looked like having too much quality for County, and kept them at arm’s length throughout. Here’s how the fans reacted to another good win…
Marriott at the double
There aren’t many certainties in the life of a fan of this club, but at the moment Jack Marriott getting on the scoresheet is one of them.
He is just on fire, isn’t he? And while his goals will obviously get the headlines, it’s his all-round play that impresses me most. He holds the ball up brilliantly, uses his body like the wily pro he is and his movement in the box is deadly.
Eight goals in six games, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down…
The supply
Marriott will, well, has got the headlines. But the two assists for those goals were simply sublime.
We’re yet to see the best of Haydon Roberts in a Reading shirt, but if he keeps putting in deliveries like that for Marriott then he’ll have himself a bag full of assists by the end of the season.
As for Kyreece Lisbie, he’s well on his way to a player of the season podium finish already, and is adding real dynamism, directness and – most importantly – quality to our wide areas.
Marriott’s getting the goals, but the way we’re creating them is just as pleasing at the moment…
A good three points
We all know the classic cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Being able to pick up wins when you’re not at your best is a very nice habit to have.
Leam Richardson implied he had a few stern words with the players at half-time, and you can’t blame him really. The opening 45 wasn’t great at all, but we were structured enough out of possession to still keep Notts County at bay with relative comfort.
And then, when we kicked it up a couple of notches in the second half, our quality at the top end of the pitch shone through. A good afternoon all in all…
Conclusion
We’re in a really good spot at the moment: looking solid defensively (lowest xG conceded in the league) and a threat going forwards in every game (highest xG created and second-most goals in the league).
I have slight concerns about how we can transfer our home form into our away games, but right now that doesn’t need to be dwelled on. We just need to keep riding this wave, keep this momentum up and see where it takes us. It could be a fun season…
