Bristol City v QPR player ratings
QPR’s poor run continued as an injury-time penalty condemned them to a fifth consecutive Championship defeat. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 2-1 loss at Bristol City.
Joe Lumley: 8
Pulled off a number of fine saves before City eventually found a way past him, the pick of the bunch being to push away Famara Diedhiou’s header. Also produced a late save to deny Matty Taylor.
Darnell Furlong: 7
Ridiculously adjudged to have fouled Diedhiou for the penalty, Furlong played very well. He saved the day with a couple of brilliant clearances, including a terrific saving header to deal with a cross by Josh Brownhill.
Toni Leistner: 7
Restored to the heart of the Rangers defence and had a very decent game, winning countless challenges as he put his body on the line. Looks much more comfortable in a back three.
Grant Hall: 7
While league results have been poor, one huge positive for QPR has been Hall’s sudden, emphatic return to action. This was his third 90 minutes in a week and he looked strong and sharp.
Pawel Wzsolek: 7
Sloppy on the ball at times, not least when woefully mis-hitting a cross after being found in a great position by Jordan Cousins’ pass. But he worked tirelessly on the flank, more than justifying his recall.
Jordan Cousins: 8
Speaking of justifying a recall, Cousins was outstanding on his return to the side. His passing was spot on, creating openings for Luke Freeman and Wszolek, and he covered a huge amount of ground. Hasn’t always shown why boss Steve McClaren rates him, but he certainly did here.
Massimo Luongo: 7
A superb challenge on Brownhill in the first half was one of the highlights of another impressive display from Luongo, who was relentless in a tough midfield battle.
Luke Freeman: 8
Excellent against his former club. Freeman worked hard defensively as well as being creative. His cross led to Rangers’ goal and other deliveries to chances for Matt Smith and Nahki Wells.
Jake Bidwell: 7
More comfortable as a full-back, Bidwell nevertheless responded well to the return to the wing-back role he has not always been effective in. He defended well and was useful going forward, delivering a fine cross to Smith in the first half.
Nahki Wells: 7
Full of intelligent movement and determined running as usual, Wells was unlucky not to score when his header from Freeman’s cross hit the post, with Smith pouncing on the rebound. The striker did miss a good chance though when he fired over after Smith had headed down Freeman’s cross.
Matt Smith: 8
Continued his scoring run by netting for the fourth time in three games. As well as being on hand to score after Wells’ header had hit the woodwork, his overall performance was full of endeavour and the usual aerial threat. He had a header saved and sent another wide before scoring, and in the second half he set up the chance for Wells with a knockdown.
Tomer Hemed: 6
Didn’t make much of an impact after replacing Smith in the second half.
Ebere Eze: 6
Showed his skill during his cameo by cheekily squirming away from three City defenders who thought they had him cornered.
