Charlie Austin’s injury-time goal gave QPR their first win in four matches and was tough on Doncaster, who played extremely well. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory.
Rob Green: 6
Could do little about Theo Robinson’s emphatic finish for Doncaster’s goal. One second-half fumble aside, Green was solid despite the wet conditions.
Danny Simpson: 7
The right-back has maintained his consistent form even during Rangers’ recent dip. Again he was reliable defensively and a useful attacking outlet on the right-hand side. Served up a great cross for the late winner.
Nedum Onuoha: 6
Gave the ball away cheaply at times and could have been closer to Robinson on a couple of occasions. But otherwise used his strength and mobility to good effect.
Richard Dunne: 7
Saved the day with a couple of timely interventions. Has looked comfortable with the pace of Onuoha alongside him.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto: 6
Produced some moments of great quality as usual, but was also beaten too often for a player of his pedigree. Has looked like he’s going through the motions in the last few games.
Gary O’Neil: 6
Poor in the first half, with a number of heavy touches – in contrast to Doncaster’s composure on the ball. Much better after the break.
Yossi Benayoun: 5
Woeful even before losing the ball in the build-up to Rovers’ goal. Mercifully substituted at half-time. Couldn’t have looked more like a washed-up thirtysomething seeking a final payday if he’d tried. Needs to make amends as his match fitness improves. Harry Redknapp had to persuade the Rangers hierarchy to sanction the recent signing of Benayoun and will expect better from him,
Joey Barton: 6
Not a great midfield display, but a very good captain’s display. Like O’Neil, Barton laboured as Rovers pinged the ball around with ease. But his work-rate wasn’t affected and he never ducked a challenge or a chance to receive the ball.
Niko Kranjcar: 6
Rangers’ biggest goal threat in the first half, when he went close with a low shot. Still not at his best but his last couple of performances have been an improvement.
Charlie Austin: 7
A fine header for the late winner – Austin’s 12th goal of the season and his reward for another persistent, determined display in difficult conditions.
Matt Phillips: 7
Perhaps unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up, Phillips did well after replacing the injured Junior Hoilett in the 12th minute. He got Rangers’ equaliser and was always lively. Played a part in Austin’s goal too.
Andy Johnson: 7
Made his presence felt after coming on for the second half. The change of shape had the desired effect.
Doncaster
The visitors were excellent in the first half, when they moved the ball around crisply and QPR’s showing was nothing short of an embarrassment given the financial gulf between the two sides. Rangers were eventually able to grind out a victory with a high-tempo second-half display, but Rovers can consider themselves extremely unlucky. They defended well before an unfortunate error led to the equaliser, their front two were impressive and Richie Wellens pulled the strings in midfield.
Man of the match
Wellens
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This post was last modified on 02/01/2014
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Assou-Ekotto, "Going through the motions." He's just counting the days before returning to Spurs - he spends most of his time twittering about them. There's a few others like him in the side and I guess it's the trouble with players on loan and short term contracts. Harry might do better to try out some youngsters who are hungry for a game, because if we get promoted, this team will get hammered like last time.