QPR showed signs of improvement against Aston Villa but are still without a league win this season. Here’s how we rated Rangers’ players in their 1-1 draw at Loftus Road.
Robert Green: 5
It’s all in the footwork with Green and his failure to keep out Villa’s goal was a case in point. Was generally too hesitant around his six-yard box.
Jose Bosingwa: 6
Went through the motions again without any real problems.
Ryan Nelsen: 7
Battled well against the dangerous Christian Benteke.
Clint Hill: 7
Gave everything as usual.
Armand Traore: 7
Defensively sound and got forward well.
Stephane Mbia: 7
Was having another really good game in midfield before being carried off with what now looks a minor neck injury. Better safe than sorry though.
Shaun Wright-Phillips: 7
His recall wasn’t a popular decision among fans. Missed a good chance in the first half and was then unlucky with another. Both opportunities came with Wright-Phillips drifting in off the right, which is when he is most effective.
Samba Diakite: 7
The kind of player the club should be signing as a matter of course; young and hungry with boundless enthusiasm and obvious ability, who will make silly mistakes and frustrate but can be a top player after a season or two. Great to watch at times. Difficult to watch at others. Rangers are struggling but there are signs of a midfield partnership with Mbia of two players with character – something Rangers have sorely lacked – who could become real crowd favourites. That could make a huge difference in the second half of the season. A big factor in QPR’s problems has also been a chronic lack of ‘legs’ in midfield, which is now being addressed. So there is hope.
Esteban Granero: 6
Great ball to Wright-Phillips in the first half but otherwise struggled to make an impact before being substituted at the break.
Adel Taarabt: 7
Had one of those days when he would previously have been substituted in the second half having been totally ineffective. Not much went for him attacking-wise, but the much-changed Taarabt got through a phenomenal amount of work off the ball.
Jamie Mackie: 7
Fine header for his goal and generally did well in a very difficult role as lone striker.
Shaun Derry: 7
Came on for Mbia and did well.
Ji-sung Park: 5
Has shown signs of regaining some sharpness and a yard of pace, but needs to change his boots – or were they roller blades? – judging by the number of times he slipped. Bizarre.
Junior Hoilett: 6
Came on for the injured Diakite midway through the second half and struggled to get into the game.
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This post was last modified on 02/12/2012