There weren’t many tipping Reading for promotion to the Premier League when the season started.
Three seasons much closer to the relegation battle than the top six shake-up, plus a new manager in the unknown Veljko Paunovic, left most expecting more mediocrity.
And yet, here they are dreaming of a top-flight return after eight years away. Paunovic has worked wonders and, on the evidence of this demolition of fellow Premier League aspirants Bournemouth, they’re growing stronger and stronger as well.
Goals from Josh Laurent, Tom McIntyre and Lucas Joao, all before half-time, left Cherries boss Jason Tindall shaking his head in anger and disbelief.