Reading continued their poor start to the season with a 2-1 loss at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

A lacklustre start from José Gomes' side left the Royals with a mountain to climb in the second-half. New signing Lucas Joao was able to half the deficit but Reading just couldn't find the equaliser.

Despite the opening day defeat at the hands of Sheffield Wednesday, the side that Gomes opted to pick for the trip to Hull was altered significantly with three new signings making their full debuts.

Fans were intrigued by what sort of performance the new look side would bring and many supporters would have left wondering how the Royals hadn't come away with a point, after being denied by the woodwork on more than one occasion.

Here we look at THREE things we learnt about the Royals from the game...

The keeper issue is now becoming a serious concern

On-loan Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia made just his second start for Reading on Saturday, but many are already doubting his ability to play at Championship level.

Virginia, 19, was at fault once more as Kamil Grosicki's effort bounced off his gloves and fell into the path of prolific forward Jarrod Bowen who couldn't miss.

Gomes could only watch on in anguish after seeing the youngster fail to keep out another simple attempt at his goal.

With the Royals signing former Brazil international Rafael on a free transfer last Wednesday, many supporters will be hoping that the former Napoli keeper will be given a chance either in the Carabao cup game with Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday or on Sunday against Neil Warnock's Cardiff City.

The new forwards showed they will be able to find the net

Torino loanee Lucas Boyé and the recently signed Joao both made their full debuts in the defeat on Saturday. They showed a lot of promise throughout the fixture, with the former Sheffield Wednesday striker Joao getting off the mark with a well taken finish.

George Puscas also played his first minutes for the club at the weekend, with José Gomes sending him on at half-time. The Romanian, recently signed from Inter Milan, made an immediate impact with his movement causing the Tigers all sorts of problems.

Puscas was denied by a strong save from keeper George Long before smashing the crossbar on the half-turn late on.

Both Joao and Puscas showed that they can create chances out of very little, something Reading strikers have been unable to do for a number of years now. This will only breed confidence into the Royals fanbase that the big money signings will not disappoint.

The centre-backs performances in the opening two fixtures are worrying

Matt Miazga joined for his second loan spell at the Royals this summer and after a superb first stint, this was seen as quite the coup to bring the American back to the Madejski.

Captain Liam Moore and Miazga formed a great partnership last season which eventually helped keep the Royals in the Championship.

This season, it has not quite gone to plan so far. Moore struggled on the opening day to deal with the lively Kadeem Harris, and then on Saturday both centre-halves failed to pick up Jackson Irvine who could freely head past Virginia for his first of the season.

Gomes will be hoping that the duo can get back to their old selves before thinking of bringing in one of Michael Morrison or Tom McIntyre.