I think Kayal played better because Stephens was there. He was always available to take the ball from the centre backs. The only down side from a defensive point of view was Bong's distribution!! Defensively we were pretty much back to our best. Just need a bit more potency at the other end.
What is it with this love affair with Vydra? He had a great season with Watford, did crap at WBA and then scored a few for Watford again and then flopped with Reading. Some seem to bang on as if he is the messiah!