QPR have now lost four of their last five home ties in the League Cup, three of them against lower division opposition. Here’s how we rated the players in Rangers’ latest cup debacle – a 2-0 defeat against League One side Swindon.
Brian Murphy: 5
Did little to instil confidence in his back four, contributing to a defensive shambles for the opening goal. Was possibly unlucky not to keep out the second though.
Danny Simpson: 6
By and large is defensively sound, but this wasn’t a great display and he was ponderous on the ball in the Swindon half.
Nedum Onuoha: 6
Is having a good season so far and didn’t disgrace himself in this game, but he was given a tough time by Nile Ranger and was certainly a level below his recent form.
Clint Hill: 6
Showed his experience under pressure on occasions and at other times was exposed. He was certainly exposed for Swindon’s second goal.
Yun-suk Young: 5
Eager to get forward and has some ability on the ball. Has an awful lot to learn defensively though, hence Harry Redknapp’s reluctance to pick him in league matches. At fault for the opening goal.
Samba Diakite: 6
Not in his manager’s plans but was given a run-out – his first this year. Played in a new role on the right but it was a typical Diakite display with some stand-out moments, some truly daft moments, and of course the odd nonsensical foul. There’s still a lot to like about him though.
Jermaine Jenas: 5
Absolutely overrun by a League One midfield despite having played at a much higher level. Simply doesn’t do enough.
Alejandro Faurlin: 5
His previous knee injury makes it easy to say he’s not the same player. He’s actually made a good recovery. Has always been very easily picked off without the ball and is under pressure as a result, with teams constantly targeting the space in behind him. But misplaced passes definitely aren’t a regular feature of his game. He just had a bad night. At his best in a dominant team display at home when he can do what he likes doing – and he needs a game like that to restore some confidence.
Shaun Wright-Phillips: 5
Very poor. Contained with embarrassing ease by Swindon full-back Nathan Thompson before moving infield and missed a good chance to score in the second half.
Charlie Austin: 5
Not blessed with the quickest feet or greatest technique, so relies on the confidence and momentum from scoring goals. Needs to score one or two to get back in the groove – particularly while there is such goodwill towards him following his summer move.
Bobby Zamora: 5
Does a job, but that job requires midfielders to break beyond him and into the box. Otherwise there’s no point. Players with his attributes who perform his team-orientated role are almost always criticised by fans. It goes with the territory. But Zamora was a foolish signing and is undeniably well past his best, as shown by the ease with which he was handled by the Swindon defence. Darren Ward was a class act during a loan spell at QPR more than a decade ago and remains far too good for a faded Zamora.
Mo Shariff: 7
Did really well after coming on. Created a couple of openings and worried Swindon with his pace and determination. Can be proud of his performance.
Andy Johnson: 6
Brought on while Rangers were struggling to create chances and at least helped to raise the tempo.
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This post was last modified on 28/08/2013