THE majority of Reading FC supporters retain confidence in Jaap Stam's system following tonight's EFL Cup defeat at Arsenal.
An Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brace was enough to seal a 2-0 victory for Arsene Wenger's Gunners in the fourth-round tie at the Emirates.
Reading did threaten at times with Yann Kermorgant, Callum Harriott and Jordan Obita going closest for the visitors.
But their loyalty in following Stam's instructions to the tee ultimately proved their downfall.
Goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi, who made a number of outstanding saves, made the vital error that led to Oxlade-Chamberlain's first on 33 minutes.
Rather than punt the ball upfield, the Oman international hit a poor pass to Joey van den Berg, Oxlade-Chamberlain won it back and slammed an angled shot into the back of the net.
That, though, is how Stam wants his team to play.
But on this occasion, they were beaten by the better, sharper Premier League team and one more accustomed to Stam's possession-based style.
Oxlade-Chamberlain wrapped it up 12 minutes from time with a deflected shot, leaving Reading fans to question whether Stam's system is working.
If we keep playing this boring non attack football we will have home gates of under 12000 when Christmas comes along #readingfc
— R (@Woodley_royal) October 25, 2016
#AFC were the much better team, but first goal came from our mistake and second took a deflection. #ReadingFC could well have taken it to ET
— Olly Allen (@OllyAllen1998) October 25, 2016
Based on tonight Watson, Samuel & Kelly will see plenty of first team football this season #readingfc #EFLCup #youth
— Daniel Johnson (@Danmjohnson23) October 25, 2016
1, Good to see academy players get a game.
— Tom. (@TomWHall) October 25, 2016
2, Must learn when to clear lines vs when to play it out.
3, Not a bad night out. #readingfc
@L_Kelly95 @ReadingFC quality tonight you've got a bright RFC future ahead 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️
— Nick Huskinson (@nbh73) October 25, 2016
Thought we were fine, lost to a good side & silly mistakes but c'est la vie - it's only the Cup against a team we've never beaten #readingfc
— Matthew Williamson (@Photomattic) October 25, 2016
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