Reading Roars!

What’s black and white, and red all over?  An embarrassed Newcastle Utd, crashing to a 1-0 defeat by Reading at the Madejski this evening.  Not a great joke, perhaps, but the result, against one of the strong clubs in England’s top flight, is yet another to be applauded, especially as the visitors included Michael Owen, back from injury.  The win lifts Reading to 7th in the Premiership.

The only goal of the game was driven in by Dave Kitson in the 50th minute.  Seol Ki-Hyeon created the opportunity.  Other than this, and two bookings for the home side, it seemed an even encounter.  Both teams enjoyed a similar number of corners and shots on goals.  

Recently, Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger commented that Alex Ferguson, on the cusp of winning the title, and Steve Coppell were his managers of the season.  I agree.  Reading are no one-hit wonders, but a quality side led by a quality manager.  A calculating, pragmatic manager who, unlike team bosses above him, steers clear of verbal skirmishes, preferring the pitch to be his battleground instead.  A manager fully capable of taking the team even further next season.  And that’s something to savour - preferably with a glass of Gran Coronas.