Blackpool v QPR player ratings

Goals from Matt Phillips and Charlie Austin gave QPR their first away win since September and took them back to the top of the Championship. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 victory at Bloomfield Road.

Rob Green: 8
The Rangers keeper had a fine game, producing two important saves during a difficult first half for his team and doing well after the break to deny Isaiah Osbourne.

Danny Simpson: 8
Excellent at both ends of the pitch. Solid defensively, got forward well and was involved in the build-up to the second goal.

Richard Dunne: 7
Stayed strong during a sustained spell of Blackpool pressure and was an important presence at set-pieces.

Clint Hill: 5
Was beaten in the air a couple of times in the first half and appeared to be struggling before being replaced by Nedum Onuoha at the interval.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 6
A classy player who certainly belongs in the top flight. Creative on the left-hand side but did get caught out a couple of times and could have been tighter to Tom Ince on occasions.

Gary O’Neil: 7
Worked hard and offered good cover for both Simpson and the centre of Rangers’ midfield before he was taken off. His reading of the game and positional sense are assets for Rangers, although a first-half error almost led to a goal for Dan Gosling.

Joey Barton: 7
Reliable in midfield and played a vital role for Rangers in a first half in which Blackpool were on top. Competed well and was productive on the ball.

Tom Carroll: 6
Found the going tough in the first half. Had more joy in the second period and came close to scoring.

Matt Phillips: 8
Enjoyed an impressive return to his former club, scoring Rangers’ first goal and setting up the second with a fine right-wing cross for Austin. Much more effective when switched to the right and was denied a second goal by a good save.

Jermaine Jenas: 7
Ineffective in the first half but was much better in the second and his burst forward helped to create the all-important second goal.

Charlie Austin: 8
Scored with a header – his 11th goal of the season – but was also a key player for Rangers with his work off the ball. Defended superbly from the front and it paid off in the build-up to Phillips’ goal.

Nedum Onuoha: 7
Did well as a second-half substitute. His mobility also allowed Rangers to open up a bit more and their more attacking approach proved too much for Blackpool.

Niko Kranjcar: 7
Disappointing recently but looked sharp after coming on, creating a good chance for Phillips with a surging run and pass.

Blackpool
Paul Ince’s side worried Rangers in the first half but ran out out ideas and were punished for missing chances.

Man of the match
Phillips

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