QPR struggled to create chances against Blackburn and then missed two sitters. Here’s how we rated the players in their frustrating goalless draw at Loftus Road.
Rob Green: 6
Grateful to see Clint Hill clear off the line and two other efforts narrowly miss the target. Was hardly tested other than that, completing the routine saves he needed to.
Danny Simpson: 5
The full-back had all sorts of problems dealing with Rovers in the first half and wasn’t helped by Matt Phillips, who offered him very little cover.
Richard Dunne: 6
Did nothing wrong but hasn’t been as dominant in recent weeks. A flat midfield in front of Rangers’ centre-backs rather than the security of an extra man is a challenge for Dunne and Clint Hill, who are no spring chickens and are having to cover more ground.
Clint Hill: 8
Was tested at times and was equal to the task, producing several important challenges and a clearance off the line in a difficult first half for Rangers.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 8
So comfortable at left-back and took the bull by the horns in the second half, when he proved to be Rangers’ most effective wide player. Cheekily turned his man and delivered a fine cross that was headed against the post by Charlie Austin.
Matt Phillips: 6
Deserved a starting place after his fine goal against Bournemouth and showed his pace and ability in flashes. Missed a great chance to score though and, on balance, didn’t do enough while on the pitch to justify his lack of defensive work.
Tom Carroll: 5
Simply not cut out for a two-man central midfield in the Championship at this stage of his career. Harry Redknapp made the switch to a three-man midfield to help Carroll and the now injured Alejandro Faurlin, who are both unsuitable for a 4-4-2. Carroll showed his quality on the ball at times but is far from the finished article and Rovers were able to play around him with ease.
Joey Barton: 8
Had an excellent game in a stretched midfield in which he had to work twice as hard. He was creative with the ball, effective without it, and dropped deep to protect the centre-backs when needed, winning important challenges in and around the Rangers box at key stages of the game.
Junior Hoilett: 6
Linked up nicely with Assou-Ekotto on occasions but never really got going against his former club.
Andy Johnson: 7
Did well, both through the middle and when he pulled out wide. His low cross in the second half should have led to a goal for Phillips.
Charlie Austin: 7
Should have scored when he hit the woodwork but there was only a few inches in it. Worked hard once again and is much more comfortable playing alongside another striker.
Gary O’Neil: 7
Did well after coming on just before the hour mark. Has a good range of passing and plays the right-of-centre role well, tucking inside when needed.
Niko Kranjcar: 6
Unable to get into the game after being brought on. Still looks unfit.
Blackburn
Rangers’ change of system meant Rovers, who have been poor away this season, were able to have a real go. They caused the home side problems, especially down the left, and missed good chances to score in the first half.
Man of the match
Barton
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This post was last modified on 08/12/2013