Nigel Adkins faces grim reality at Reading after defeat to Southampton
Reading 0 Southampton 2
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nigel Adkins will have been left with few illusions after Reading went down 2-0 at home to his former club Southampton.
Despite his perennial positive attitude, Saturday’s clear defeat was Reading’s eighth in a row in all competitions and the new manager must have been horrified by the defending that has cost six goals in his first two games.
Southampton, in contrast, have three Premier League wins in succession for the first time in almost 10 years. The Saints manager, Mauricio Pochettino, certainly has a thriving partnership in Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez, both of whom were outstanding on Saturday. Of Rodriguez, who scored the first goal and made the second for Adam Lallana, he said: “The sky is the limit for him. I don’t see a roof – there is no limit.”
Bookings: None.
Man of the match Rodriguez.
Match rating 6/10.
Possession: Reading 40%. Southampton 60%.
Attempts on target: Reading 2. Southampton 4.
Referee M Jones (Cheshire).
Attendance 24,108.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments