MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 08:01:08| >> :120:28903:28903:
Reading logo
Premier League
Jan 30, 2013 at 8pm UK
 
Chelsea logo

2-2

Le Fondre (87', 90')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Lampard (66'), Mata (45')

Match Analysis: Reading 2-2 Chelsea

Match Analysis: Reading 2-2 Chelsea
© PA Photos
Sports Mole analyses the action from Reading's 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading overturned a 2-0 deficit late in the game to earn a point at the Madejski Stadium this evening.

Juan Mata and Frank Lampard put Chelsea ahead, and had kept the home side off the ball for much of the match.

However, a stunning performance off the bench from Adam Le Fondre saw the striker net two goals inside the last 10 minutes to seal the draw.

The point has moved Reading out of the relegation zone.

Sports Mole takes a detailed look at one of the comebacks of the season so far.

Match statistics:

Reading:
Shots 5
On target 2
Possession 33%
Corners 0
Fouls 8

Chelsea:
Shots 12
On target 4
Possession 67%
Corners 6
Fouls 21

Was the result fair?

On balance, Chelsea probably deserved the win. The visitors were lucky to take the lead at half time, but overall they controlled much of the game, were the much more creative in front of goal and managed to prevent their opponents from even taking a shot until the final 10 minutes of the game.

Reading's performance

Reading were impressive in the first half, keeping Chelsea out of the game at times while defending heroically during a series of onslaughts on their penalty box by the visitors. Ultimately, they struggled to contain Chelsea for much of the second half, but Brian McDermott made sure that the right players were on the pitch at the right time, as his team showed incredible character to find the two goals they needed to level the scores. A thoroughly entertaining display from the home side.

Chelsea's performance

After a strong start from Reading, Chelsea were well on top for much of the match, inspired by some stunning play by Juan Mata. However, Rafael Benitez's side switched off too soon, and were completely outplayed by Reading in the final 10 minutes of the game. In short, Chelsea were impressive, but not for long enough.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Juan Mata: It was hard not to say Adam Le Fondre, it really was. However, Mata's contribution throughout the match set the tone for Chelsea's excellent performance, and it was only after he went off that the Blues went defensive and ultimately let Reading back into the match. The Spaniard was the main reason Reading had to defend for so much of the match, and if he had been left on for the full 90, we would probably be looking at a different result right now.

Biggest gaffe

Frank Lampard had a chance to make it 3-0 shortly after his headed goal. It was a good strike from inside the box, and it looked like it had Federici beat, but it went just wide. Compared to some of the shots from his teammates, it was not the worst finish of the night, but if that had gone in, it would have probably been too much for Reading to come back from. Otherwise, Lampard was excellent for Chelsea this evening.

Referee performance

There were not too many big decisions for Mark Halsey this evening, having to dish out just the three yellow cards. There was some physical football from both sides at times, but Halsey did well to play the advantage and let the game flow.

What next?

Reading: Reading are at home again on Saturday, welcoming Sunderland to the Madejski Stadium.

Chelsea: Chelsea make the lengthy journey to St James' Park for a game against Newcastle United.

ID:66770: cacheID:66770:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5434:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Reading's Adam Le Fondre celebrates with teammates after a stoppage time equaliser against Chelsea on January 30, 2013
Read Next:
Reading comeback stuns Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!