I don’t think I’m alone in saying that the last few weeks, perhaps even months, have been the most detached I’ve felt as a fan of this club for a long time, which I understand is a rather outlandish thing
to say when you consider our recent history.
The only way that is going to change is through positive results and performances on the pitch really, which can hopefully be kickstarted by Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s late winner on Thursday night.
I’m still very worried by the sheer amount of regression we’ve seen on the pitch in the last 12 months or so, but there were some very evident positive traits on show against the Hatters that, simply put, need to be our base level going forward.
Here’s how the fans reacted to the win…
Derrick Williams
We all have our own thoughts and opinions on how much of a success the summer transfer window was, but one thing we all seem to be in happy harmony about is just how good this guy is.
Not only was he his typical stalwart self in defence against Luton, but he also popped up with an assist that first-half-of-2021/22 John Swift would’ve been proud of.
A truly top performance from a signing-of-the-season winner in waiting…
King Kelvin
Randell Williams impressed throughout, Jack Marriott returned with a bang, and the aforementioned Derrick Williams was immense. However, it was match-winner Ehibhatiomhan who reaped the majority of the plaudits from the fans.
He’s had a tough time of it lately, which has led to some questioning whether he’s good enough for this level. Consistency is what all players crave and Ehibhatiomhan is no different in that regard, but his winner on Thursday proved he has the raw ability.
It was the touch and finish of a seasoned number nine, and the fans absolutely loved it…
A Christmas comeback
Let’s not be mistaken: there is still a lot that needs to be worked on. The football is no prettier than it was under Noel Hunt (a personal gripe of mine but one I fear I may have to live with), and consistency – or the lack thereof – is still a huge concern.
However, there are plenty positives we can take. More than a few Reading teams of old would have gone to lose Thursday’s game, but this one didn’t.
The result is always paramount, and it’s fair to say the fans were happy with this one…
Conclusion
Not by any means is it a result or performance that makes up for the previous couple of games, but it’s something. It should’ve never got back to 2-2, but when it did we didn’t crumble.
How many times have we seen Reading teams fall apart in that exact situation? But this team stood strong and went onto get the winner themselves.
There are some small but notable habits creeping in, which is really promising. Things like all the players running down the tunnel at half-time and Lewis Wing turning around to make sure no-one’s walking. Little signs of intent and urgency like that will culminate, hopefully, into a much better overall product than we’ve been used to.
Now, everybody have a great Christmas, and see you all for the pilgrimage to Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day.
