QPR v West Brom player ratings
An injury-time West Brom goal condemned struggling QPR to a sixth consecutive Championship defeat. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the dramatic game at Loftus Road.
Joe Lumley: 7
Couldn’t stop Jefferson Montero’s poached goal but was impressively alert to deny Jay Rodriguez at an acute angle when the Albion striker looked like adding a second approaching the half-hour mark. Was again called upon to deny Jake Livermore from point-blank range just before the interval and a brilliant instinctive save from Jacob Murphy’s six yard shot. A fine display. Had no chance of stopping Livermore’s winner and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Darnell Furlong: 6
Made a number of timely interceptions and was, overall, vigilant against twin Albion raiders Kieran Gibbs and Jay Rodriguez. Had to be increasingly alert as West Brom upped the tempo and were relentless in the final 10 minutes.
Joel Lynch: 5
Drafted back into the Rangers rearguard after injury. His lack of sharpness was brutally exposed by the Baggies when his loose header into Jacob Murphy’s path led to the visitors going ahead in the 61st minute. Until then was forced to cope with West Brom’s regular attacks down the right-hand side.
Toni Leistner: 6
The R’s centre-half was slow to react when the ball fell loose around the danger zone into the path of Montero to net in the fifth minute for Albion. Improved as the game wore on.
Jake Bidwell: 6
A relatively quiet encounter for the reliable Bidwell, making his 37th appearance of the season. Tried his best to get forward at the right moments and linked well with Massimo Luongo and Jordan Cousins.
Pawel Wszolek: 6
Playing on the right, the Pole tried to burst forward when he could and provided reasonable service to Matt Smith on occasion. Tired as the game progressed and was eventually replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Massimo Luongo: 6
Instrumental in powering QPR back into the game as the first half raged, when he won possession in midfield to subsequently set Nahki Wells free, leading to Luke Freeman’s goal. Forced into increasingly defensive duties as QPR attempted in vain to weather a late storm.<
Jordan Cousins: 7
Always looked for the ball and took responsibility following the early blow of going a goal behind. His passing range was accurate for the most part and he troubled Albion at times with darting runs. A welcome continuation of recent zesty form, building upon his good display against Watford in the FA Cup.
Luke Freeman: 8
After a quiet start, the midfielder fired home the 34th minute equaliser with aplomb. Set up nicely by Wells, Freeman drove a left-footed shot past keeper Sam Johnstone at his near post to light up the Loftus Road support. Linked up well at times with Ebere Eze on the left during the second half.
Matt Smith: 5
Did little to threaten as the majority of the hosts’ danger came from Freeman and Wells. Boss Steve McClaren subsequently took the bold step of replacing Smith wit Eze at half-time.
Nakhi Wells: 8
The striker worked hard and was prepared to drop deep at times. Curled a shot over the bar in the 25th minute as QPR attempted to forge a recovery. Enjoyed better fortune when producing a perfectly weighted pass to set up Freeman’s leveller. An impressive, confident performance – QPR’s stand out player on a frustrating night.
Ebere Eze: 6
Came on for the second half for his 34th appearance this term to try and give the R’s extra attacking impetus. Came in for some rough treatment from the Albion defence too.
Tomer Hemed: 7
Came on for the busy Wells in the 70th minute and didn’t waste time in slotting home QPR’s second from the penalty spot.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: 6
Replaced Wszolek as McClaren opted to freshen things up. Tested Johnstone with a snap-shot towards the end.
