Ravel Morrison breathed new life into QPR’s bid for automatic promotion, scoring twice to give them a resounding victory at Birmingham. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 win.
Rob Green: 7
Did well when called upon, producing a fingertip save in the first half and a couple of decent stops in the second.
Nedum Onuoha: 7
Effective at right-back. Strong in the tackle and quick to cover through the middle when needed.
Richard Dunne: 6
A first-half lapse almost led to a goal but otherwise he was solid enough and organised the back four well.
Clint Hill: 7
Had a good game at the back and was unlucky not to score when his first-half header hit the bar.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 6
Chris Burke ran rings around him during a first-half spell but the on-loan Tottenham man had a more comfortable second half.
Armand Traore: 7
Missed a good chance to make it 2-0 when found unmarked by Kevin Doyle’s cross, but was still one of Rangers’ stand-out performers. He looked dangerous on the right and always willing to run at defenders.
Joey Barton: 8
Excellent on his return from suspension. Kept things ticking over in midfield, enabling the likes of Morrison to do their thing.
Jermaine Jenas: 8
Probably his most dynamic performance for QPR. Rotated with Morrison to great effect – their movement caused Birmingham major problems – and he created the second goal.
Junior Hoilett: 7
One of his better displays for Rangers. Quick and direct, although he faded somewhat before being substituted midway through the second half.
Ravel Morrison: 9
Scored two nice goals – a free-kick and then a cool finish after set up by Jenas – and his overall display was outstanding. Showed great technique, a nice range of passing and great trickery on the ball. He could well be the difference between Rangers going up and not.
Kevin Doyle: 8
Did a fine job up front, dragging defenders out of position, chasing lost causes and creating space for Rangers’ other attacking players. Repeatedly pulled out onto the left flank and caused problems for Birmingham. Hobbled off with a knee injury late on and losing him would be a setback for the R’s.
Gary O’Neil: 6
Did a steady job after replacing Hoilett.
Man of the match: Morrison
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This post was last modified on 11/03/2014