QPR v Wednesday player ratings
QPR recovered after Adthe Nuhiu’s opener to begin life in the Championship on a winning note. Here’s how we rated Rangers’ players in the 2-1 victory against Sheffield Wednesday.
Robert Green: 6
Caught slightly on his toes at the near post for Wednesday’s goal but made up for it with some good punches and distribution to Junior Hoilett, which sparked some successful counter attacks.
Danny Simpson: 6
Unspectacular but solid. Slotted in nicely on debut and his understanding of Joey Barton’s game was clear to see. There’s a basis for a good partnership there – if Barton stays.
Nedum Onuoha: 7
Grabbed his first goal for the club and although not severely tested, he dealt with the Wednesday attacks with great strength and alertness.
Clint Hill: 6
Committed as ever and made some important headed clearances. He’ll come under huge pressure from Richard Dunne for his place when the Irishman is fully fit, though.
Armand Traore: 5
His mind seemed elsewhere. Lazy positioning – as usual – but also failed to show his usual zest going forward.
Joey Barton: 8
An unexpected name on the team sheet and an equally unexpected bold showing. Looked fit, committed and incisive with his passing. His bravery in the build-up to Andy Johnson’s winning goal should not be underestimated.
Karl Henry: 5
A very nervous debut. Failed to grab hold of the midfield and rarely looked capable of building a link with Alejandro Faurlin. Lacks the ‘legs’ to play in a midfield two. Improvement needed.
Alejandro Faurlin: 6
Given the chance to show boss Harry Redknapp his worth. Delighted his admirers with a couple of trademark passes and you couldn’t fault his tireless energy, but off the ball he’s not as effective. His knee injury looks to have affected his change of pace over five yards.
Junior Hoilett: 9
Ran the show and was in a different league to the Wednesday defenders, who were seeing stars all afternoon. Deserved a goal but found keeper Chris Kirkland in fine form. Keep Hoilett in this form and Rangers may have found their new Adel Taarabt.
Bobby Zamora: 5
A target man who doesn’t win headers. Strange. Backwards is the new forward for Zamora in terms of his style of play. Made to look better than he is by having the impressive Johnson as a partner.
Andy Johnson: 8
Carried on from his fruitful pre-season with another lively display. A constant pest and although his final ball isn’t always right, his finishing usually is. Took his goal like a player who, if he stays fit, could get 20-plus goals this season.
Charlie Austin: 7
Showed glimpses of his predatory instincts around the box and made use of his physical attributes by winning a few headers when replacing the ineffective Zamora. Came close to a scoring debut but grazed the bar with a header.
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05/08/2013 @ 3:51 pm
Not sure why Clint Hill continually gets overlooked as a liability. He is either off of his feet and waving his arms at the officials instead of defending. Hopefully, a replacement for him is discovered soon.
04/08/2013 @ 9:06 pm
Totally agree don’t know what game they were watching
04/08/2013 @ 8:45 pm
Faurlin not good off the ball?! Think the author of this should have gone to specsavers. Faurlin was tireless off the ball and put in some incredible tackles. Arguably man if the match. Agree with the other ratings though. M’bia needs to come in for Henry who was useless, although fitness may play a part.
Ideally we keep Taraabt and Remy too but looking unlikely.
04/08/2013 @ 1:07 pm
6/10 Faurlin, blimey I thought he was the best player on the pitch