QPR v Portsmouth player ratings
QPR are in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 22 years after beating Portsmouth in a replay at Loftus Road. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 2-0 victory.
Joe Lumley: 6
Not tested much as Rangers dominated most of the game. Dealt well with balls that came into his area when Pompey did threaten.
Darnell Furlong: 9
A terrific performance from the right-back, who set up Matt Smith with an early cross, hit the bar with a first-half header and created a second-half chance for Nahki Wells with an excellent threaded pass. He was defensively faultless and always a threat going forward.
Grant Hall: 7
Aside from QPR’s progress in the cup, Hall’s impressive return to the side after his injury-plagued spell was another huge plus. He looked strong, sharp and used the ball very well.
Joel Lynch: 7
Instrumental in the all-important opening goal, hooking the ball towards goal with Wells adding the finishing touch. Lynch did well at the other end too, and along with Hall was effective in passing the ball out from the back.
Jake Bidwell: 7
Another very decent display from the left-back, who is in good form. He was solid defensively and linked up well with Luke Freeman on the left.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: 6
Played an important role in stretching the Portsmouth defence and causing problems with his pace. The end product wasn’t quite there though.
Josh Scowen: 7
Picked up yet another silly yellow card, but played well in midfield against a very determined Pompey side.
Massimo Luongo: 7
Also had a good game in midfield. Set the tone for Rangers with a cross-field ball to Furlong in the build up to the game’s first real chance, which Matt Smith headed wide.
Luke Freeman: 9
Great stuff from the Rangers playmaker, whose set-piece deliveries led to both goals as well as Furlong hitting the bar. His all-round contribution was outstanding and his ability to pick up space – and use it well – was too much for Pompey.
Nahki Wells: 7
Was enduring a frustrating night in front of goal before his persistence and work-rate was rewarded with the opening goal. Linked up nicely with Smith throughout and his pressing of Pompey’s defenders helped Rangers dominate.
Matt Smith: 7
Missed a good chance in the first half but his aerial presence was ultimately the key to Rangers’ victory. He nodded down Freeman’s corner to help set up the first goal and powered in the second with his head to seal the win.
Ebere Eze: 6
Gave Rangers fresh legs in attack when he replaced the tiring Osayi-Samuel immediately after the opening goal.
