Player ratings from QPR’s 4-2 win against Stoke – Chair and Willock lead comeback charge on night of redemption for Dykes

Marti Cifuentes earned his first win as QPR head coach with a dramatic 4-2 win against Stoke City at Loftus Road on Tuesday night.

Rangers took an early lead through a Lyndon Dykes penalty but found themselves 2-1 down against 10 men in the second half as Ryan Mmaee and Wouter Burger found the net either side of an Enda Stevens red card.

However, QPR ended their 12-game run without a win thanks to a strike from Dykes, a Ben Pearson own goal, and a late Chris Willock finish.

Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Loftus Road.

Asmir Begovic – 6

Not a great deal he could have done about either of Stoke’s goals. Did not have any spectacular saves to make but dealt with shots and crosses perfectly well.

Osman Kakay – 6

Was a solid showing once again from Kakay deputising for Reggie Cannon but was not particularly effective when he ventured into the Stoke half with the ball.

Steve Cook – 6

Continues to be an important part of QPR trying to build their attacks from deep and mixed it up with a few accurate long passes.

Jimmy Dunne – 5

His error allowed Tyrese Campbell in on goal in a move that eventually led to Stoke’s first-half equaliser from a corner. Still does not look comfortable with the change in style and was replaced by Jake Clarke-Salter with just over 15 minutes to play.

Kenneth Paal – 6

Not Paal’s most effective showing with a number of corners poorly delivered throughout the evening. Also failed to clear properly in the build-up to the goal that saw Stoke take the lead. Still showed his quality in possession by moving into midfield as QPR chased a winner.

Elijah Dixon-Bonner – 7

Played a big role in a positive start to the game, regularly turning his man in midfield and linking well with Paul Smyth on the right. Influence faded as QPR lost control and was replaced by Willock with Rangers searching for a way back into the contest.

Sam Field – 6

Not the midfielder’s most influential performance as Stoke controlled possession for long spells when they had 11 men on the pitch. Still made an important early intervention underneath his own crossbar. Replaced by Charlie Kelman late on.

Jack Colback – 6

Failed to get close enough to Ryan Mmaee to stop him equalising towards the end of the first half but played his part in QPR getting back into the game. Made two interceptions and two tackles before being replaced by Ziyad Larkeche in the closing minutes.

Paul Smyth – 7

Continues to be a real threat for QPR with his mazey dribbles but the end product is still lacking. Managed to get Enda Stevens a second booking after racing past him early in the second half and had been giving the full-back a torrid time beforehand.

Lyndon Dykes – 8

A first-half miss just before Stoke equalised looked set to define his night, but this was the best Dykes has played since the change of manager. Took his penalty with composure and confidence and the touch and finish for his second was the target man at his very best. Should settle some doubts about his place in the team.

Ilias Chair – 8

Led the QPR charge after Stoke went in front and was pivotal in helping turn the game back in his side’s favour. Hit the post with a rasping shot just before Dykes’ equaliser and continues to be the team’s creative hub.

Subs

Chris Willock – 8

Was called upon in QPR’s moment of need and delivered. Provided creativity and drive from midfield to haul his side back into the game and capped his cameo with a well-taken late goal to settle the game.

Reggie Cannon – 7

Had noticeably more impact on the game than Kakay who he replaced at right back. His runs into the box unsettled a Stoke defence that was digging in and he proved how vital it will be to keep him fit going forward.

Jake Clarke-Salter – 7

Another who impressed on his return from injury. His composure in position helped QPR settle as they searched for a way back into the game.

Charlie Kelman – 6

Was the only one of Cifuentes’ substitutes to not have an obvious impact on the game.

 Ziyad Larkeche – 7

 His determination to set up the own goal that put QPR ahead earns him a rating despite only being on the pitch for less than 10 minutes.

PICTURES: ROB AVIS