QPR beaten by last-gasp Bristol City goal
Nahki Wells’ last gasp-goal goal against his former side condemned QPR to a painful defeat.
Wells’ winner was totally against the run of play, as was Chris Martin’s opening goal a minute before the interval.
Sam McCallum’s second-half equaliser – his second goal in as many games – appeared to have earned a point for Rangers, who were pushing for a second goal when they were hit with a classic sucker punch.
City broke forward and Andreas Weimann set up Wells, who had two loan spells at QPR before his move to the West Country.
The striker, who had not scored in his previous seven appearances, took advantage of a slip by Jordy de Wijs by calmly steering the ball beyond keeper Seny Dieng.
Rangers had levelled when Rob Atkinson could only head Chris Willock’s dangerous left-wing cross as far as McCallum, who thumped home from 18 yards out with his less-favoured right foot.
Martin’s earlier goal – his third of the season – came following a Robins counter-attack after Moses Odubajo had given the ball away.
Han-Noah Massengo evaded De Wijs on the left and sent in a low cross towards Andreas Weimann, who held off Rob Dickie and laid the ball back for Martin to apply the finish.
Rangers had created a number of chances, with Lyndon Dykes heading Willock’s left-wing cross against the post and Odubajo heading wide at the far post after being found by Yoann Barbet.
City’s Daniel Bentley was by far the busier keeper in what was a one-sided first half before Martin’s goal.
Bentley denied Andre Gray after the on-loan Watford striker had turned away from Tomas Kalas and he also pushed over a shot from Stefan Johansen.
This was QPR’s 100th league match under Mark Warburton and although they have made significant progress during his time as manager, falling behind after failing to take chances has been a regular theme of his tenure.
It was the case in midweek at Bournemouth, where they suffered their first defeat of the season, despite a second-half rally in which McCallum scored.
They finally found the net nine minutes into the second half at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium – and then put City under major pressure as they searched in vain for a second goal.
Bentley gathered a long-range effort from Barbet, twice denied Dykes at point-blank range and similarly prevented substitute Charlie Austin putting QPR ahead after the striker was put through on goal.
Bentley was also grateful to see strikes from Willock and Barbet flash narrowly wide as Rangers continued to dominate.
And in injury time Bentley was called into action twice more, diving to his right to keep out Willock’s shot and saving at his near post from Johansen.
They proved to be crucial stops.
QPR: Dieng; Dickie, De Wijs, Barbet; Odubajo (Adomah 65), Johansen, Chair, McCallum; Willock; Dykes (Ball 80), Gray (Austin 65)
Subs not used: Walsh, Dunne, Dozzell, Thomas.
19/09/2021 @ 12:36 pm
Who is this Nahki Wells ?