Southampton v QPR player ratings

QPR were edged out 2-1 by Southampton at St Mary’s. Here’s how we rated the Rangers players.

Asmir Begovic: 5

Badly at fault for Southampton’s first goal when he pushed a routine shot from Sam Edozie into the roof of the net. Could do nothing about the Saints’ second goal but his insistence on kicking long to gift possession to the other side is becoming an issue.

Paul Smyth: 7

Had his hands full against the lively Edozie, who skipped past him twice with ease in the first half. However, he responded well to set up the equaliser and hit the bar with a thunderous effort after half-time.

Osman Kakay: 6

Had some good moments going forward, including one barraging run that led to Smyth’s chance, but should have been tighter to Adam Armstrong for the Saints’ winner after the ball fell to him in the box.

Steve Cook: 7

A strong presence at the back as Rangers looked well organised against a pass-happy Saints side. Can feel hard done by to be on the losing team.

Morgan Fox: 6

Targeted by the Saints early on by the pace of Armstrong but improved once Rangers got a foothold on the game. Prone to getting rid of the ball too quickly at times and conceding possession.

Kenneth Paal: 6

Did well defensively and looked purposeful in attack. But should have done better with one pass that would have set Ilias Chair free down the wing.

Sam Field: 7

Had an excellent game. Good on the ball, strong in the tackle and teed up Smyth for a shot that hit the bar.

Jack Colback: 8

Scored a superb equaliser in his first start for the club and was excellent in the heart of the Rangers midfield. Replaced 15 minutes from time after putting in a great shift.

Andre Dozzell: 8

His best game in a QPR shirt. Made some really strong runs from midfield and teed up Chair with a smart pass into the box that should have led to a goal.

Ilias Chair: 7

Strong performance from the Rangers playmaker but he should have scored from close range but saw his shot saved by Bazunu. Made some really good runs with the ball when Rangers did get the ball down and play.

Sinclair Armstrong: 6

Always a threat with his pace and looked to have scored before half-time only be adjudged to be narrowly offside. But it was a real learning curve for the young striker ,who found the experienced Jan Bednerak could more than match him in the physical stakes.

Albert Adomah: 6

Delivered a brilliant cross for Rayan Kolli after coming on as a substitute and looked better after his introduction than he has in recent games.

Rayan Kolli: 6

Could have been a memorable finish for the 18-year-old when he was picked out by Adomah, but was caught in two minds as to whether or not to shoot or to pass and the ball was hacked clear.

Stephen Duke-McKenna: 6

Came on for Colback but was physically out-muscled on more than one occasion as Southampton closed the game out.