Jordan Ayew’s late penalty gave Steve Bruce his first win as Aston Villa manager at previously unbeaten Reading.
Villa went ahead in the game thanks to Jonathan Kodjia’s deflected shot but Yann Kermorgant headed home the rebound from Danny Williams’ saved penalty.
The game looked to be heading for a draw but Liam Moore’s foul on Ayew gave Villa a spot-kick and the Ghanaian stepped up and took it, converting it easily.
Villa, cheered on by the 5,000 travelling fans, managed to survive a late Garath McCleary shot which went just wide to give Bruce his first win since taking over at Villa Park.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Pierluigi Gollini - 8
Made a couple of good saves in the first half and did well on the penalty too, but got unlucky with the rebound.
Alan Hutton - 6
Came back into the side in place of the injured Micah Richards and was pretty solid.
James Chester - 6
Made a couple of good blocks but looked shaky when Reading played the ball long. Probably should have done better on the goal.
Nathan Baker - 7
Looked a bit more assured than Chester. That Villa didn’t seem to miss Tommy Elphick is a testament to him.
Aly Cissokho - 3
Gave another penalty away and quite honestly, is a bit of a liability.
Mile Jedinak - 6
Started poorly but grew into the game. He should be one of Villa’s best players so you’d expect a bit more from him.
Leandro Bacuna - 7
Helped Villa overcome Reading in midfield and looked to join attacks too. Missed a very good chance.
Gary Gardner - 7
Played well on his return to the side, playing a part in both goals.
Albert Adomah - 7
Set up the goal and was a threat all night. Probably could have done better on Reading’s goal, he didn’t react to the rebound.
Jonathan Kodjia - 9
Played in an unfamiliar left-forward role and was superb. Got his goal, worked hard and showed his quality throughout.
Rudy Gestede - 6
Didn’t really have much of an impact on his return to the side.
Subs
Jordan Amavi – 7
Came on for about 15 minutes and was much better than Cissokho. Should start next time out.