Preston v QPR player ratings

QPR’s season and Steve McClaren’s reign as manager started with a 1-0 defeat at Preston. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the game at Deepdale.

Matt Ingram: 6

Handed his chance following the sale of Alex Smithies, Ingram was solid enough and did well to gather a shot from Callum Robinson.

Osman Kakay: 7

The young right-back did well, especially in the first half when he blocked shots from Robinson and Tom Barkhuizen and also offered an attacking outlet on the right-hand side. On a less positive note, he gave away the free-kick which led to Preston’s goal.

Toni Leistner: 7

Captaining the side on his Rangers debut, the summer signing had a good game at the heart of their defence. He was a strong presence in the opposite penalty area too.

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Joel Lynch: 6

Competent alongside Leistner at the back. It looks like the makings of a decent partnership if Lynch continues to be available.

Jake Bidwell: 6

Did okay at left-back. Reacted quickly in the first half to snuff out danger by getting across to thwart Ben Pearson.

Massimo Luongo: 6

Competed fiercely in midfield but a couple of stray passes summed up a disappointing day for the midfielder, who was substituted in the second half.

Josh Scowen: 6

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Didn’t offer much in terms of creativity but did his main job by protecting the back four.

Luke Freeman: 7

Not always convincing in wide areas but his deliveries into the box always looked like Rangers’ best hope of a goal. Created chances for Matt Smith and Idrissa Sylla and sent an effort of his own wide of the target.

Bright Osayi-Samuel: 6

Lively in spells in the first half without making any real impact. Preston had some joy on the right flank and Osayi-Samuel was replaced at half-time by the more solid Ryan Manning.

Ebere Eze: 6

Great to watch when in full flight, but was well contained by Preston’s defence and often unable to get close enough to Smith.

Matt Smith: 6

Not much came his way in terms of service but when a big chance did come his way he was unable to take it, heading wide from Freeman’s cross shortly before half-time.

Ryan Manning: 6

Brought on partly to shore things up on the flank, where Preston were getting far too much space in the first half. He did so but was unable to affect things going forward.

Paul Smyth: 6

Offered something different when he came on but Preston rarely looked troubled in the second half.

Idrissa Sylla: 6

Denied by a last-minute save when found by Freeman’s free-kick. Will be disappointed not to have scored.