Ollie Watkins scored twice as Brentford beat QPR again. Here’s how we rated each player in the Bees’ 3-1 victory at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
Excellent saves to thwart Bryan Mbeumo, Watkins and Josh Dasilva further enhanced Kelly’s reputation as a shot-stopper, but his kicking and distribution could do with some polishing.
What the veteran full-back lacks in speed, he makes up for in his reading of the game, anticipating danger with a single clever touch. At the same time, Rangel gave the ball away a little too frequently.
Having put his body on the line to block a Watkins thunderbolt, the centre-back then got himself in the right place at the right time to head an unstoppable equaliser just after half-time.
Hesitant at times, Leistner got nowhere near Watkins for Brentford’s opening goal and was also nutmegged by Said Benrahma later in the first half.
Although he was caught out of position when Brentford scored their first goal, Manning got forward and supplied some decent balls into the box – but all too often without having much to aim at.
Floundering somewhat in the early stages, Scowen nevertheless put in some good challenges. His lunge at Mbeumo was not one of them – but the referee’s decision to award a penalty for it was disgraceful.
Overall a solid display from Cameron, who won his fair share of tackles but never really showed his ability to spray the ball around and made way for Jan Mlakar as Rangers chased the game.
Oozing class, Eze was Rangers best player by a mile, displaying skill and a range of passing as he provided the cross for Hall’s goal as well as chances for Nahki Wells and Ilias Chair.
Drifting out of the game at times, Chair’s final ball was generally a disappointment and he failed to make the most of a late opportunity, firing straight at David Raya.
The winger started on the left, without much reward – but posed far more of a threat after switching to the opposite flank, immediately winning a free-kick and causing a number of problems for Rico Henry.
Filling a solo role for much of the game, Wells worked hard up front and was unlucky not to score with a header just after half-time when David Raya flung out an arm to deny him.
The youngster replaced Cameron for the final 20 minutes, with Rangers chasing the game, but he did not see a great deal of the ball or make much impact.
The Spaniard pulled off one of the best saves he’ll make all season, keeping out Wells’ flying header. Couldn’t be faulted for QPR’s leveller, as the Bees struggled to cope at the beginning of the second half. Made a number of first-class saves to thwart the increasingly desperate Hoops.
An industrious display by the Dane. Restricted Chair throughout with the Bees holding on to their 2-1 lead.
Kept in-form QPR striker Wells quiet for long periods. Also a number of brave interventions as the hosts pressurised the Bees just before the break. Busy but disciplined under late pressure.
Had to be alert along with partner Jansson in keeping QPR from what would have been a second equaliser. Dealt well with crosses as the game progressed.
Cautioned for hauling down Osayi-Samuel with Brentford struggling to match energy levels just after the interval. Settled down thereafter.
A calming presence in the central areas for the most part but did find QPR passing beyond him at times as they chased the game.
Helped set up the opening goal with a pass to Bryan Mbuemo. Booked immediately after the restart for a needless push on Eze.
Some great touches and link play with Watkins as Brentford chased a second goal with the R’s on the ropes in the first half.
Could have put the Bees ahead in 16 minutes but the Frenchman’s shot was well saved by Kelly. Supplied a precise cross for Watkins to score the first goal, before his controversial involvement in Brentford’s second penalty award.
An excellent header to put the Bees ahead in the 23rd minute, albeit it was a fairly simple opportunity with the striker, unmarked in the six-yard area. Despite earlier smart stops by Kelly, he wasn’t to be denied with a late third goal on the breakaway.
An outrageous piece of first-half trickery, outfoxing static QPR defender Leistner. Planted home the spot-kick with aplomb to put the Bees 2-1 up and was then denied by Kelly when through on goal. A constant threat.
Came on for Mbuemo in 74 minutes with boss Thomas Frank aiming to maintain energy levels with a single-goal lead.
Replaced Dasilva with 10 minutes left. Supplied the pass on the break for Watkins to make it 3-1 in stoppage time.
This post was last modified on 28/10/2019
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The rankings seem rather kind to many players given we often showed little energy or patience to build through the middle section of the pitch. Booting up-field is a poor second choice, and BOS was ineffective on the wing. How can you give Eze a '8' when he spent much of the time wider out (and less effective)? Our defensive problems are well-known and nothing suffered last night suggests we can get by - we need a better CB! Perhaps the answer is Wallace at LB and Manning at LM?
I'm amazed at warburton thinking a pen cost us the game ,the truth is that poor defensive play cost us this game and every other one we've lost,Manning is NOT a defender and has been caught out many times this season's WHY have we not got a left back??? OH we have but he is yet to play a game for the first team this season and if warburton were to check the stats, he would see that none of our defenders ever make a forward pass unless its to boot it upfield straight back to the opposition.Liam Kelly must touch the ball with his feet more than any other player because all our defenders end up passing back to him then he makes a hash of the kick out.GET IN SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO DEFEND OR WE ARE LOST THIS SEASON.