QPR v Rotherham player ratings
QPR were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Rotherham after missing a host of chances to win the game at Loftus Road. Here’s how we rated the Rangers players.
Seny Dieng: 6
His only task of the day was to pick the ball out of the net midway through the first half. Caught crosses comfortably and set up one very promising attack with a deliberately-struck low goal-kick to the feet of Ilias Chair. A spectator for much of the game.
Ethan Laird: 6
Some nice runs forward and could have been awarded a penalty on another day after appearing to be tripped in the box following a purposeful run. Not everything came off for the on-loan Manchester United man but some encouraging signs when he linked up with Chris Willock going forward.
Jimmy Dunne: 6
Lots to admire about the big Irishman’s passion, will to win and commitment – and one buccaneering run down the left wing that forced a corner in the first half was sight to behold. However, he can be prone to lapses – and almost handed a chance to the Millers in the second half with a very poor quick free-kick. Arguably looks more comfortable in a back three.
Rob Dickie: 6
Brought the ball out from the back impressively at times but was caught flat-footed for the Rotherham goal when Ogbene reacted quickest to fire home the loose ball following Dunne’s mistake. But dealt comfortably with former Rangers striker Conor Washington.
Kenneth Paal: 6
Conceded the free-kick that led to Rotherham’s goal when he allowed the impressive Ogbene to slip past him and brought the Republic of Ireland striker down just outside the box. Despite his diminutive stature he won some impressive headers. Needs to do more in an attacking sense, but got forward more than he has in previous matches.
Sam Field: 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park as Rangers dominated for large spells. On hand to win tackles and put one fine cross-field pass into the path of Laird. But he was at fault for the Rotherham goal when he failed to clear.
Stefan Johansen: 7
Was enjoying his best performance of the season before a taking a nasty kick across the knee that midway through the second half that ended his involvement in the game. Linked play well from deep and won some good tackles before being forced off looking in great pain.
Ilias Chair: 7
Had a glorious chance to win the game in the second half when he was found unmarked in the six-yard box by substitute Sinclair Armstrong, but was unable to get a touch to the cross with the goal at his mercy. Otherwise, it was an encouraging return to form for the Morocco international, who worked tirelessly to create chances for his team and set up Willock’s goal with a smart one-two. Still can be guilty of taking one touch too many, but it was his best game of the season so far.
Chris Willock: 7
A welcome return to the side and scored a fine goal to put Rangers back on level terms. Still looks a few games away from being back to full fitness, but showed just why he is the main man in this team in the 80 minutes he spent on the field. Showed some promising link-ups down the right with Laird which should give Rangers encouragement going forward.
Lyndon Dykes: 5
Given admirable support from the crowd as he battled hard for his team, but looks bereft of confidence in front of goal. Caught in two minds when found by Paal’s cross in the first half and tried to take a touch instead of shooting and the chance went begging. Put through again on the stroke of half-time and would have scored if he put more power into the shot, but his effort was parried away comfortably by Millers keeper Viktor Johansson. Subbed after 70 minutes
Tyler Roberts: 6
Should have won his side a penalty when he his header struck the hand of Oliver Rathbone in the first half, but his appeals were waved away by referee Andy Woolmer. Showed some lovely touches when Rangers went forward, but was often guilty of trying the spectacular when a simple pass would suffice. Grew tired after a decent shift and was withdrawn after 70 minutes.
Andre Dozzell: 6
Did OK when he was introduced for the injured Johannsen and delivered one delicious pass to set Albert Adomah free. However, his lack of pace was evident when he was skinned in the middle of the park as Rotherham created a rare second-half attack.
Sinclair Armstrong: 6
A typically barnstorming cameo from off the bench for the teenager, but he will be cursing himself after spurning a glorious chance to open his account when he found himself one on one with Johansson but shot tamely at the Swede. A sign of things to come for him from Championship defenders when he was poleaxed off the ball and behind the referee’s back by a Rotherham player. Put the ball on the plate for Chair to score with a fine run and cross, but needs to the composure to match his hugely impressive enthusiasm.
Albert Adomah: 6
Doesn’t look as dangerous as he did last season from off the bench as he struggled to make many immediate inroads down the right following his introduction. Twice over-ran balls played into his feet by Willock.
Olamide Shodipo: 6
Another player guilty of failing to get a touch on a cross into the six-yard box with no-one close to him when he spurned Chair’s fine pass by letting the ball run across him after for what should have been his first QPR.
22/08/2022 @ 8:28 pm
Ah yes, Clive Allen and Paul Goddard – come back all is forgiven. Then there were Marsh & Bowles before. and to think we are now talking about Dykes,
22/08/2022 @ 5:30 pm
Afternoon Angry, there’s no sun when you’re working in Geordie Land !! I drove down and met some of the lads in The Pocket Watch on Uxbridge Road beforehand. The topic of conversation was exactly as you say, goals, or at the very least shots and shots on target. The summer sun shines right in the eyes of keepers at the Loft End this time of year, so pepper the damn goal ! If you don’t shoot you don’t score and this lack of intent is what’s pushing my buttons. Have a pop, the crowd will appreciate you ! If you sky it, it’s a sighter so have another go. Young Sinclair shoots on sight, and the more he plays the more shots he’s going to have. Dykes needs to adopt the same attitude as that. Stainrod, Bannister, Byrne, Wegerle (still the best in my book), Ferdinand, Falco, Sinclair (famously!) Austin, and Eze all let rip ! They didn’t all go in, but they showed their mettle week in, week out and that is what is missing.
22/08/2022 @ 10:51 am
Hello T Block – I was just beginning to think that you must be sunning yourself somewhere nice. Anyone young and fit can run around like a headless chicken, but as you said, its goals we need. I think even Bonne or that permanent loanee Kelman would be a better option, I mean, how close has SA got to get before he starts? If we can see it, then so can the manager. I can understand the wrapping in cotton wall for Willock, when he is missing we are woefully bad. We can and have played far better flowing football than we have showed this season. But still have the ‘we must score more than we let in’ mentality. Come on lads, give yourselves a damn good shake and come out fighting.
21/08/2022 @ 9:55 am
Morning Angry ! I have crossed swords on here with Ian McCulloch and his unequivocal support for Dykes in the past being told “he’s a player I hate” I don’t hate the bloke, he’s simply not up to scratch and we in effect for large parts of the game are playing with a man down. There’s no doubting he runs around and covers a lot of the park, and he’s fitter than last season but his role is to stick it away, and he doesn’t. I think you’re spot on, drop him to the bench to see if it fires him up. Shots on target is what we need and young Sinclair Armstrong had more of those and deserves his chance
21/08/2022 @ 9:06 am
Looks like someones ‘6’ button has got stuck. These ratings are a sick joke even the one for Dykes – how does he rate a ‘5’ with all these ‘6’s. Time to warm the bench for the odd game old chap.