Three defeats from three: What’s going wrong at Reading after unbeaten start?

Having been unbeaten in their first eight games of the season, Reading have now lost three of their last three. So, what’s gone wrong?

“I think it’s a mix of accumulation [of games], fatigue and injuries. When you look at those three, that is what is affecting the team,” says Royals boss Velkjo Paunovic.

“Fatigue plays a big part in concentration and, to execute things, you need to be concentrated and to a certain level be fresh and sharp. That plays a part.”

Is it as simple as that? Possibly, yes, especially when you consider the players that they have been without for those defeats. Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Meite have been out of all three games and Liam Moore has been unavailable for the last two – both of which were 3-0 defeats.

Creating chances hasn’t actually been a problem in recent games and, without Ejaria, they do have other players that can replace him – Sone Aluko and Michael Olise have helped create chances in his absence over the last few games. Perhaps they could have coped if it was just the former Liverpool man that was unavailable.

“We have to learn that this is a serious league and mistakes in both boxes can kill you. There is a mix of immaturity in some moments, fatigue, accumulation [of games]and injuries.” – Velkjo Paunovic

Defending and scoring has been an issue, however, and that’s why Moore and Meite are so sorely missed. There was a clear lack of someone that was willing to put their body on the line in both boxes.

Crosses coming in from both wing-backs were left unanswered and you just know that Meite, who has four goals in seven games his season, would have launched himself at some of those in an attempt to turn them home.

“The execution has to be better when we create those opportunities. All those good moments of play when you control the ball and the possession has a purpose,” said Paunovic.

“That purpose is to create opportunity, to finish in the oppositions box and obviously score a goal. In the last two games, we didn’t convert. We had opportunities.”

At the other end of the pitch, Moore – as well as being club captain – averages the sixth most blocks in division this season and ranks highly for clearances too so, understandably, Paunovic believes he is a huge miss for the team.

He said: “[Moore] is one of the leaders and the captain. He has helped the team in every aspect on the defensive aspect and with the ball in attack. His absence is a big loss for the team.”

“We gave away two goals that would have never happened to us in the past. That’s the identity we need to recover – blocking those shots. We had six or seven guys behind the ball for the first goal,” he added.

You’ve have to think that Moore would help eliminate mistakes too, with young defenders Tom McIntyre and Lewis Gibson making errors leading to goals in the last couple of games. With six clean sheets in their first eight games, as captian, Moore gives confidence to the players around him. Something which, for whatever reason, Michael Morrison doesn’t.

Fixture congestion, fatigue and injuries are the three things that Paunovic has put his side’s poor form down to and, although it’s impossible to say whether he’s right or not, on paper, you have to agree. Various other things do come into it but, with Moore and Meite in the team, Reading don’t lose those last two games 3-0.

Arguably, these problems could have been solved with greater squad depth and Paunovic even hinted at the need for a couple more players in certain positions after the game. Finanical restrictions have meant this hasn’t been possible so, until January, the squad he has at his disposal will have to do.

Paunovic confirmed after the game that he is “hopeful” that Moore, Ejaria and Meite will be back for the international break, when they face Bournemouth on the south coast. In the mean time, Reading fans can enjoy their side remaining at the top of the Championship but, with other teams now breathing down the back of their neck, cherish it while you can.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt