Middlesbrough v QPR player ratings
Injury-hit QPR battled hard at the Riverside Stadium, where they led twice before going down 3-2. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the defeat against Middlesbrough.
Alex Smithies: 7
Produced his customary brilliant save when he kept out a shot from Lewis Baker late in the first half. Also did well to tip over an effort from Cyrus Christie.
Darnell Furlong: 6
A mixed display from the youngster, whose inexperience was evident. Marvin Johnson had plenty of success against him on the flank but Furlong also defended very well at times, winning a number of challenges.
Alex Baptiste: 6
Deserves some credit for a solid display at the heart of an injury-ravaged defence. Used his experience and kept things simple, although Rangers were easily cut open on occasions.
Jack Robinson: 6
Another very decent performance as the left-sided defender. After so many injury problems, the fact Robinson is playing regularly now is a huge plus for the R’s.
David Wheeler: 7
A great start for the recent signing, who scored two minutes into his full debut and went close with another effort. As well as hard work, Wheeler showed plenty of intelligence, understanding exactly where he needed to be when Rangers were without the ball.
Massimo Luongo: 8
Given the captain’s armband and responded with a fine display in midfield, where there was added onus on him to battle in the absence of the injured Josh Scowen. He competed brilliantly, winning countless challenges, and used the ball well too.
Ryan Manning: 7
Did very well on his return to the side, especially in the first half. Like Luongo, he worked tirelessly and won the ball on numerous occasions.
Luke Freeman: 7
Also worked very hard in midfield and always looked to create openings, although he was left frustrated at times.
Jake Bidwell: 6
Solid and steady on the left-hand side, apart from a couple of misplaced crosses.
Kazenga LuaLua: 6
Gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times early on but his ability to find space caused Boro serious problems in the first half. Was replaced at the interval though after picking up an injury.
Matt Smith: 6
Also replaced at half-time. Rangers missed the movement of Conor Washington and Jamie Mackie, with the latter quickly making an impact after coming on.
Jamie Mackie: 7
Scored a typical Mackie goal when he netted after chasing down keeper Darren Randolph. Full of running and made life difficult for the Boro defence.
Pawel Wszolek: 7
Also troubled Boro after coming on – and was desperately unlucky not to score a late equaliser when his shot hit the post.
Idrissa Sylla: 6
Another substitute who made a positive impact after coming on. In Sylla’s case his hold-up play and presence in the box helped Rangers put their opponents under pressure. But he missed a decent chance when he scuffed his shot after the ball ran to him in the box.
