It’s fair to say Reading have defied all expectations with their start to the EFL Championship season. The Royals picked up 22 points from their first eight matches this term, which saw them get off to a better start than they did in the 2005/06 campaign when they won the title with a record 106 points. But after losing 3-2 against struggling Coventry on Friday night, the Royals conceded three goals for a second consecutive game: this time without reply as they lost 3-0 to Preston North End.
Preston’s form has been utterly bizarre. They’ve lost every single game they’ve played at home, but have picked up 13 points from a possible 15 on the road. After an uneventful first period, North End won a penalty just a few minutes into the second period. But Daniel Johnson had his spot-kick saved by Rafael Cabral. After that, the Lilywhites soon got over that disappointment when Scott Sinclair opened the scoring after 64 minutes. Emil Riis made it two just four minutes later, and Brad Potts added extra gloss to the scoreline in extra time.
This tactical analysis will delve into the tactics used by Veljko Paunovic and Alex Neil.
Line-ups
Reading stuck with their usual 4-2-3-1 system which has brought them plenty of success. Rafael Cabral started in goal, with Tomás Esteves, Michael Morrison, Tom McIntyre and Omar Richards at the back. Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent started as the double pivot, with Alfa Semedo just in front of them. Michael Olise played on the right side, with former Rangers man Sone Aluko on the other flank. Portuguese striker Lucas Joao led the line.
