QPR v Stoke: player ratings

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It wasn’t a great display, to put it mildly. But QPR got the victory they desperately needed against Stoke courtesy of substitute Djibril Cisse’s late winner. Here’s how we rated Rangers’ players in what could prove to be a pivotal match in their battle to stay in the Premier League…

Paddy Kenny: 7
Kenny’s communication and command of his area often go unnoticed. It’s a big asset of his and was needed in a game like this, when Rangers couldn’t afford any slip-ups.

Nedum Onuoha: 7
Hasn’t been at his best since joining QPR and isn’t comfortable at right-back, but gave a steady performance and got forward well at times. Positioning was sound against Stoke’s three-man attack.

Anton Ferdinand: 7
One of his best games for Rangers. Grew in stature as the game wore on and won a couple of crucial headers in the second half.

Clint Hill: 7
Recovered well after a poor start. Got too tight to Peter Crouch in the opening stages but settled down and produced a solid display.

Taye Taiwo: 7
Not convincing defensively but an excellent crosser of the ball and sparked Rangers into life by creating an excellent chance for Cisse before the deadlock was eventually broken.

Shaun Derry: 6
Has found the going tough in recent matches and can be too easy for opposing teams to play around, but dug in and was sensible on the ball.

Joey Barton: 6
Some decent moments but really should be doing more given his status and the fact he’s been playing in a three-man midfield, which ought to help him.

Akos Buzsaky: 5
Ineffective before being replaced. Rangers badly missed Samba Diakite’s dynamism.

Jamie Mackie: 6
Worked hard as always, but endured a frustrating afternoon.

Adel Taarabt: 7
Not his best game, and much of what he tried didn’t come off, but once again at least showed drive and a willingness to take the game by the scruff of the neck in a way Rangers’ expensive signings have consistently failed to do.

Bobby Zamora: 5
The type of forward whose best work can go unnoticed. But, even allowing for the fact he was often isolated, simply didn’t do enough in a game of such importance.

Djibril Cisse: 8
Got a chance. Buried it. Job done.

See also:
Cisse brings Rangers back from the brink
Relieved Hughes salutes Cisse after dramatic Rangers victory

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