Reading manager Ruben Selles praised Portuguese goalkeeper Joel Pereira for his superb first-half display in the 1-0 Sky Bet League One victory over mid-table Northampton.
Pereira, formerly deputy to David Button in the Reading goal, kept his side in contention in the opening period with a series of fine saves to thwart the lively Cobblers attackers.
It set up the platform for home substitute Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan to secure the victory in the 65th minute with a superb curling shot from the edge of the penalty area.
“We made a change and Joel is fighting for that position [in goal] with everything he has,” Selles said.
“He was really good today, he kept us in the game in those [first half] moments.
“But I still don’t really think I got a big performance out of the team today, I just got a massive result.
“We did not get a massive performance, it was not our best game – nowhere near to being good enough from any of us.
“It was an equal game, both teams had chances. Northampton are a good team, a very solid team, but I expected a little bit more from us. I think that we can do better.
“Don’t misunderstand me, I will take a victory any day. The thing is that, in some games in the season, we played much better than we did today – and we didn’t get anything at all.
“Today was not our best – as a team, as a collective. But at least we were consistent enough to get the three points.”
Northampton have won only once in their past seven outings and boss Jon Brady said: “I’m quite pleased with the performance but the result is the disappointing thing today.
“In all our pre-game prep, I haven’t seen a team come here like we have and press Reading from the front. And the success we got from it.
“We had some really got chances in that first half. Sam [Hoskins] has two great efforts and their keeper makes two excellent saves. It’s fine margins today, isn’t it?
“We defended well, we pressed really well and we probably created more chances than we have in any game for a long while. Unfortunately, (we) just haven’t put the ball in the back of the net.
“And their goal was a little easy. We had worked so well all day, then they score.
“And the boys all know it. They’re just really disappointed about the result because of the way that we played.
“When Louis [Appere] went in one on one in the first half, he’s hit the target.
“But, again, their keeper has done really well. On other occasions, those sort of chances go in.”
Mourinho gets his man! Fenerbahce confirm Duran loan signingFenerbahce have announced the loan signing of Jhon Duran, just months after the striker departed Aston Villa for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.In an announcement on the club website, Fenerbahce have revealed that 21-year-old striker Duran has joined on a season-long loan from Cristiano Ronaldo-captained Al-Nassr, whom he only joined in...
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe scored a dramatic late winner in last night's Club World Cup clash against Borussia Dortmund, and dedicated the goal to Diogo Jota.Liverpool and the wider footballing world have been left in shock this week after Jota and his brother Andre were tragically killed in a car accident.Tributes have been pouring in, while a number of Liverpool and Portugal players atten...
Arsenal are reportedly in 'advanced talks' with Sporting Lisbon to sign Viktor Gyokeres.The 27-year-old striker has made clear his desire to leave the Portuguese champions and move to Arsenal this summer.And it appears the saga surrounding his future is nearing its conclusion, with it reported by The Athletic that talks between the two clubs are advanced.Personal terms are already in place, having...
Arsenal have completed the signing of highly rated Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the club have announced.The north London club beat opposition from top European outfits after triggering Zubimendi's €60 million ($67m) release clause.The 26-year-old's contract at Sociedad was due to expire in June 2027.A source told ESPN that Real Madrid tried to sign Zubimendi when Xab...
FBL-EUR-C3-MAN UTD-OMONOIAJuventus are plotting a double Premier League swoop as they look to refresh their squad options after a disappointing campaign.WHAT HAPPENED?The Italian club are preparing to make an offer to Manchester United for the exiled Jadon Sancho. The Englishman spent last season out on loan at Chelsea, who paid a fine to avoid signing him on a permanent basis and is unlikely to b...
Juventus include player in bid for Man Utd winger SanchoJuventus are stepping up talks with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho.After closing a deal for Lille striker Jonathan David on Friday, Juve are now focusing on striking terms with United for Sancho.United wish to sell Sancho for 325m, though Juve hope to drive down that fee by including a player in their offer.Il Corriere dello Sport says Ju...
Man City consider Nico surprise saleManchester City are ready to listen to offers for Nico Gonzalez.The Spain midfielder only joined City in January from Porto for €60m.However, BILD says Nico could be on the move again this summer.With Rodri now fully fit and Tijjani Reijnders arriving from AC Milan, Nico is in danger of becoming surplus to requirements at City in terms of midfield optiions...
Barcelona chief Deco turning to Man Utd outcast RashfordBarcelona chief Deco is ready to take a fresh look at Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.Deco is seeking a new winger signing this summer and is having to re-adjust his sights after seeing No1 target Nico Williams pen a new deal with Athletic Bilbao on Friday.Fussball Transfers says Deco is now reviving plans for England international ...
Switzerland celebrate their goalSecond-half strikes from Geraldine Reuteler and Alayah Pilgrim helped Switzerland register their first tournament win since 2017 as the hosts overcame Iceland at Stadion Wankdorf in the Swiss capital of Bern.Both sides knew another reversal could spell the end of their EURO 2025 campaign after respective defeats in their opening Group A matches. That prompted Icelan...
Atletico-de-Madrid-Rayo-Vallecano-La-LigaMessi and De Paul are friends from their time at Argentina and the reported move comes as Miami are trying to extend their starWHAT HAPPENED?With Lionel Messi's future still uncertain, it appears as if his club is taking proactive steps to make an extended stay in Miami potentially more appealing. Inter Miami are reportedly interested in making a transfer o...
- 1 Inside jet-setting England star Dominic Solanke's honeymoon with wife Erica
- 2 Garnacho reveals he intends to stay in the Premier League after Man Utd departure
- 3 Five players ask to leave Man Utd including Rashford, Antony, Garnacho and Sancho
- 4 Ex-Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette finds new club! Striker set to complete move to Saudi Pro League side after Lyon exit
- 5 Diogo Jota's wife arrives at chapel where tragic star's coffin is taken
- 6 Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner
- 7 Diogo Jota's family life with beautiful wife, cheeky sons, baby girl and dogs
- 8 Man Utd snubbed loan deal for Duran after his 3336k-a-week wages were revealed
- 9 Daily Laugh - If Arsenal get Gabriel Heinze
- 10 Ex-Chelsea wonderkid RETIRES at age of 28 just three years after Stamford Bridge exit as injuries put end to playing career