Reading 1-3 Cardiff City: Player Ratings

Joel Pereira: 6 Gathered up some early easier saves without fuss as Reading enjoyed a good opening period. Took a knock when making a save midway through the first half – Pereira made a strong save from the powerful close-range effort but could only parry it into the middle and was hurt in the ensuing melee. Showed no signs of any injury moments later with a fantastic save from a curling effort, throwing himself across his goal to palm it behind.

Could do nothing about either of Cardiff’s first two goals, with the first being a header across his goal and the second being a one on one with acres of space. Ryan Nyambe: 6 Allowed a bit more freedom to attack today, playing as a wing-back, and enjoyed spending time far wide with chalk on his boots. Set Daniel Kyerewaa on the run towards the box early in the game with a clever low ball down the right channel.

Found Kyerewaa again on the edge of the box in the 15th minute for a shot. Finley Burns: 4 Not his day, and had issues with several of the Cardiff attackers, giving away a few fouls. Played on the right side of a back three for most of the day, with almost all of his touches on the right side of the pitch.

Struggled to connect with a lot of his passes today, especially when looking forward. Mucked up the offside trap for the second goal but did try to hustle back. Paudie O’Connor: 5 Didn’t have his best afternoon, but it must be said that’s become a rarity from O’Connor in 2026.