Reading dominated Everton in the second half earning their first win of the season thanks to a brace by Adam Le Fondre. Everton will rue the plethora of wasted chances in the first half and David Moyes will have plenty to say about both the referee and his team's horrible performance in the final 45 minutes.
Reading vs. Everton: Final score 2-1, Royals earn their first win of the season
Reading recovered from a poor first half to dominate Everton the second half and earn a well deserved first victory of the Premier League season
Everton's opening goal was as much about what Reading didn't do as it was about what Steven Naismith did. After failing to make an early clearance, Nikica Jelavic chased down the lose ball and sent it back in to the box where it was chested down by Marouane Fellaini right in between three Reading defenders. As they stood and watched, Steven Naismith waltzed in and tapped the ball past Adam Federici.
Reading had a chance to answer right back after Tim Howard made a horrible decision coming way too far off his line after a long ball. Adam Le Fondre collected the ball but sent his shot well over the open net. Beyond that chance, Everton dominated the first half but failed to take advantage of their opportunities to blow the game open. The officials didn't help either denying two fairly obvious penalties that should have been awarded to the Toffees.
After sitting back far too much and giving Everton too much space, Brian McDermott made some adjustments at halftime that worked out well because the second half was all Reading.
Reading equalized early in the half on a set piece goal. Nicky Shorey's free kick was headed in by Le Fondre from about six yards out after the forward had gotten in behind Seamus Coleman.
Reading's excellent second half continued in the 78th minute when Coleman needlessly barged in to the back of Le Fondre forcing Martin Atkinson to point to the spot. Le Fondre stepped up and beat Tim Howard with a shot to the left corner, putting Reading ahead 2-1.
Fellaini nearly pulled Everton back minutes later, sending a header crashing off the crossbar. That was really Everton best and only chance of the second half as their failed to challenge Reading’s defense in the final minutes and fell with a whimper.
With the win, Reading leaves QPR as the only winless team in the Premier League.
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