QPR boosted their chances of escaping the drop with a potentially crucial triumph at St Mary’s. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 victory.
Julio Cesar: 5
Looked uneasy before his withdrawal late in the second half with an injury. A keeper of his class should have done much better for Southampton’s goal – very similar to his mistakes at Swansea.
Jose Bosingwa: 5
Put in a half-hearted challenge in the build-up to the Saints goal. Neat in possession, but not a man you want around in a relegation dogfight.
Chris Samba: 7
Still looks to be carrying a bit of ‘holiday weight’ but is settling in nicely alongside Clint Hill. After a shaky first 20 minutes, he won everything in the air and has a touch of class about him in possession.
Clint Hill: 7
Mopped up danger when others made mistakes and was in typically determined form. Seems to be more confident playing alongside the pacy Samba. They need to stay fit if Rangers are to have any chance of survival.
Armand Traore: 6
Consistent performance from the left-back, who formed a good defensive partnership with his winger Junior Hoilett. He loves to get forward, but stayed disciplined for the team in this game.
Stephane Mbia: 5
An accident waiting to happen. Got booked early on and was walking a tightrope for the remainder of the match. He’s a big physical presence but doesn’t possess the intelligence to make a real difference in central midfield.
Esteban Granero: 5
Technically sound, but needs the game to played at a slow tempo to be effective. Gave possession away on countless occasions. Replaced by Jermaine Jenas just after the break.
Ji-sung Park: 7
His best performance in a Rangers shirt. Far from perfect – like Granero he gives the ball away too often – but without the ball he’s an enthusiastic asset, as shown by his assist for the winning goal.
Junior Hoilett: 8
If only Hoilett had stayed fit this season, Rangers could have more points on the board. Causes defenders real problems with his direct dribbling and his ball for Loic Remy’s opener was a peach. Also did a sterling job in defence. If Harry Redknapp can find a way to get both Hoilett and Andros Townsend in the side, Rangers will score plenty of goals in the remaining 10 games.
Loic Remy: 8
Intelligent player. His movement from an unfamiliar wide right position was, at times, sublime – emphasised for the goal, which he took brilliantly. Has the ability to stretch defenders with his pace and gave first Danny Fox and then Maya Yoshida a real headache.
Jay Bothroyd: 7
On his first start in the Premier League this season, Bothroyd grabbed the goal which could kick-start the survival bid. Worked hard up front on his own without getting too much reward – until he fired home Park’s cross.
Jermaine Jenas: 6
Nothing too flashy, but replaced Granero to good effect and kept thing ticking over in the midfield.
Robert Green: 7
Only on the field for 25 minutes but came to his side’s rescue on a couple of occasions. His one-handed save from Jose Fonte’s header late on could prove to be a huge moment in QPR’s season.
Follow West London Sport on Twitter
Find us on Facebook
This post was last modified on 03/03/2013