Reading and Manchester United played out one of the most bizarre Premier League encounters in recent history this evening.
Visiting United claimed the points by the odd goal in seven, with all of the goals coming before the referee blew for half-time.
With both sides having held the lead at different points, it was a real end-to-end encounter at the Madejski Stadium.
Below, Sports Mole has looked back over the action to determine whether or not Reading can argue that they deserved a share of the spoils.
Match statistics:
Reading:
Shots 10
On target 7
Possession 49%
Corners 6
Fouls 10
Man United:
Shots 10
On target 5
Possession 51%
Corners 1
Fouls 12
Was the result fair?
During the first half it really could have been any scoreline. Had it been seven goals each, nobody could have complained! However, after the restart United gained an element of control on the fixture and began to keep possession well. They also created the better of the chances after the restart. With all that in mind, the visitors deserved the three points.
Reading's performance
On one hand, Brian McDermott will be delighted with the problems that his side caused United. Having said that, at times his defenders went missing. Take Robin van Persie's goal - despite his reputation as a deadly striker, the home defence left home all alone inside their area to put United 4-3 in front. If that continues throughout the season, it could prove extremely costly.
Man United's performance
They may have got the points and played some expansive football at times, but Sir Alex Ferguson cannot be happy with what he has seen. Time and again his defence was exposed and they were lucky to have gone into the break having only conceded three. The second half was better, but the opening 45 minutes were a real cause for concern. In truth, it's been a similar story for most of the season so far.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Wayne Rooney: It wasn't the sort of game in which Rooney was involved for the whole 90 minutes like we have seen so often from him. However, at key moments he made a real impact. The England forward kept his composure to score a penalty, before going on to add another with a neat finish. He also produced a clever flick to play in Van Persie for United's fourth.
Referee performance
It's doubtful that Mark Halsey will have officiated many games that were as frantic as that! His decision to award United a penalty was correct, but between him and his assistants they missed a shot from Van Persie that was over the line. It must be said though that it went extremely quickly and it is nothing that technology wouldn't have sorted in a matter of seconds. All in all, Halsey can be pleased with his evening's work.
Biggest gaffe
When Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici tried to be clever inside his own area and was caught by Van Persie in the second, the Aussie was a certainty to scoop this award - wasn't he? Not so! Having won possession and with a virtual open goal to hit, Van Persie went for power and sent his effort from six yards out well over the bar. Federici was a relieved man, leaving RVP to take the honours.
What next?
Reading: Next weekend Reading travel to fellow strugglers Southampton for what is looking like a crucial encounter.
Man United: It's the small matter of the Manchester derby next weekend. Victory for United will move them six points clear of their rivals.
Liam Apicella
