Played
December 26, 2012 11:00 PM MYT
Madejski Stadium — Reading
Referee: M. Jones
Attendance: 24050
December 26, 2012 11:00 PM MYT
Madejski Stadium — Reading
Referee: M. Jones
Attendance: 24050
Top of the Match
Chico
Swansea City
Swansea City
Chico
Swansea City
Swansea City
Flop of the Match
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Reading
Reading
Nathan Dyer
Swansea City
Swansea City
Goal.com Rating 
Fans' Rating Reading 0-0 Swansea City: Boxing Day stalemate keeps hosts in bottom three
The home side end a seven-game losing streak and reach double figures on points but remain in the relegation zone, while the visitors have now gone four matches without a victory
By Chris Myson
Getty Images
Reading ended a seven-game losing streak as they picked up a 0-0 Premier League draw at home to Swansea City on Boxing Day.
The Swans had most of the better chances, Michu somehow missing from six yards in the first half and Nathan Dyer being denied by an excellent Adam Federici save after the break.
But the home side improved as the game wore on and almost nicked a priceless victory when only a headed goal-line clearance from Chico denied Adam Le Fondre.
It was not the result for which either side would have hoped, although the hosts move off the bottom of the Premier League table and finally hit double figures on points. Swansea remain in mid-table but have now gone four games without a win.
Reading had no fresh injury concerns for the game, with Jason Roberts, Sean Morrison and Alex McCarthy all still out. Ki Sung-Yueng returned to Swansea's starting XI, although an anticipated return for winger Pablo Hernandez from his thigh injury did not materialise.
The Swans made a bright start to proceedings but there were no early openings until both side had golden opportunities at either end of the pitch. Pavel Pogrebnyak was played through on goal but miscontrolled at the vital moment to squander the chance.
Then, at the other end, the usually reliable Michu somehow failed to open the scoring with an even better opening. Chris Gunter failed to play the ball back to Federici but, as the ball fell at the feet of the Spaniard with the goal gaping from six yards, he somehow fired his shot over the crossbar.
Swansea continued to have comfortably the better of the first half, dominating possession without creating too many clear-cut chances. Dyer missed the target with two long-range efforts before the half-time whistle was blown with the score still goalless.
The home side started the second half slightly better and Jobi McAnuff missed the target on 54 minutes after the ball deflected into his path when Pogrebnyak took a tumble in the box.
Swansea were unhappy when the big striker escaped with only a booking for making two fouls in a matter of seconds. Reading responded with a double change, taking the Russian off along with McAnuff as Hal Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre came on after an hour.
The visitors were still looking most threatening, though, and only a stunning reaction save from Federici denied Dyer from a close-range header after good work from Wayne Routledge out wide after 65 minutes.
The Royals keeper had to get down smartly again to deny Ki before Reading had the ball in the net. The lively Le Fondre rose to divert a free kick past Michel Vorm but the goal was rightly disallowed and the striker booked for using his hand.
There was a concerning sight for away fans in the latter stages as Michu hobbled off the pitch with what looked like an ankle injury.
Reading almost snatched a late winner but Chico brilliantly prevented a goal from a sweetly struck Le Fondre effort.
The Swans had most of the better chances, Michu somehow missing from six yards in the first half and Nathan Dyer being denied by an excellent Adam Federici save after the break.
But the home side improved as the game wore on and almost nicked a priceless victory when only a headed goal-line clearance from Chico denied Adam Le Fondre.
It was not the result for which either side would have hoped, although the hosts move off the bottom of the Premier League table and finally hit double figures on points. Swansea remain in mid-table but have now gone four games without a win.
Reading had no fresh injury concerns for the game, with Jason Roberts, Sean Morrison and Alex McCarthy all still out. Ki Sung-Yueng returned to Swansea's starting XI, although an anticipated return for winger Pablo Hernandez from his thigh injury did not materialise.
The Swans made a bright start to proceedings but there were no early openings until both side had golden opportunities at either end of the pitch. Pavel Pogrebnyak was played through on goal but miscontrolled at the vital moment to squander the chance.
Then, at the other end, the usually reliable Michu somehow failed to open the scoring with an even better opening. Chris Gunter failed to play the ball back to Federici but, as the ball fell at the feet of the Spaniard with the goal gaping from six yards, he somehow fired his shot over the crossbar.
Swansea continued to have comfortably the better of the first half, dominating possession without creating too many clear-cut chances. Dyer missed the target with two long-range efforts before the half-time whistle was blown with the score still goalless.
The home side started the second half slightly better and Jobi McAnuff missed the target on 54 minutes after the ball deflected into his path when Pogrebnyak took a tumble in the box.
Swansea were unhappy when the big striker escaped with only a booking for making two fouls in a matter of seconds. Reading responded with a double change, taking the Russian off along with McAnuff as Hal Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre came on after an hour.
The visitors were still looking most threatening, though, and only a stunning reaction save from Federici denied Dyer from a close-range header after good work from Wayne Routledge out wide after 65 minutes.
The Royals keeper had to get down smartly again to deny Ki before Reading had the ball in the net. The lively Le Fondre rose to divert a free kick past Michel Vorm but the goal was rightly disallowed and the striker booked for using his hand.
There was a concerning sight for away fans in the latter stages as Michu hobbled off the pitch with what looked like an ankle injury.
Reading almost snatched a late winner but Chico brilliantly prevented a goal from a sweetly struck Le Fondre effort.
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Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Robin van Persie Striker Man. United |
26 | 3 |
|
Luis Suárez Striker Liverpool |
23 | 0 |
|
Gareth Bale Midfielder Tottenham |
21 | 0 |
|
C. Benteke Striker Aston Villa |
19 | 3 |
|
Michu Midfielder Swansea City |
19 | 0 |