Match Report: Reading 0-0 Newcastle

The Stam effect

For all Newcastle were, in all honesty, poor going forward, the Reading midfield and back line did a superb job of shutting the league’s top scorers out.

The Royals have finished on negative goal difference for the last two seasons and, although they are only above the line by three as it stands, there has been a marked improvement at the back.

Not only is there an improvement from previous campaigns but within Stam’s tenure. The Dutchman has well a truly sorted his side out at the back, having been on the wrong end of a 4-1 hiding when they met Newcastle back in August.