Nigel Adkins's first home match in charge of Reading came against his former club Southampton but his knowledge of the opponents did no good as the Saints eased to a 2-0 win in Berkshire.
After Adam Le Fondre had squandered a gilt-edged chance, the visitors took the lead as Jay Rodriguez showed more desire than Adam Federici to squirm a 50-50 challenge into the net.
Mauricio Pochettino's side made it two after the break when substitute Adam Lallana rolled home after a clipped through-ball from Rodriguez.
Below, Sports Mole picks the bones out of a club record eighth-straight defeat in all competitions for Reading.
Match statistics:
Reading:
Shots 7
On target 2
Possession 40%
Corners 8
Fouls 5
Southampton:
Shots 12
On target 4
Possession 60%
Corners 4
Fouls 11
Was the result fair?
Yes. It was a great away performance from Southampton as they stifled Reading's attack and countered with pace and variety. The Royals did start well and should have been ahead but apart from that it was a weak performance from Adkins's side.
Reading's performance
As mentioned, the hosts actually began well and had Southampton worried from a couple of set pieces. However, they couldn't take a couple of early chances and were made to pay by Rodriguez's desire to get to the ball. The Reading defence and midfield ended up chasing shadows for much of the afternoon as Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert, Gaston Ramirez and Morgan Schneiderlein zipped the ball around confidently.
Southampton's performance
Pochettino was a shock appointment but he has definitely injected some culture into this Southampton team. The front three of Rodriguez, Lambert and Ramirez seem to know exactly where the other is and they were far too good for Reading on the day. The midfield behind also provided plenty of support, Steven Davis had a fine game and Lallana continued Ramirez's fine work after coming off the bench.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jay Rodriguez: A clear winner today, Rodriguez's pace visibly frightened the Reading defence and he also linked up marvellously well with Rickie Lambert all game long.
Biggest gaffe
Another standout winner. Le Fondre is famed for his composure in front of goal but he well and truly messed it up when the ball fell to him with just the keeper to beat from 12 yards or so.
Referee performance
Mike Jones had a tough call to make in the early stages as Jos Hooiveld stuck his foot in on Hal Robson-Kanu. The Saints man didn't go to ground though and did seem to get some of the ball. The other controversial decision came when Le Fondre's header seemed to be carried over the line by Artur Boruc. Replays were inconclusive and the linesman felt that it wasn't over the line.
What next?
Reading: The fixtures don't get any easier for Reading as Liverpool are next to visit the Madejski in a week's time.
Southampton: The Saints are also in action next Saturday as they welcome West Ham to St Mary's.
Pascal Lemesre
