QPR player ratings from 1-0 loss to Southampton – Field and Clarke-Salter stand out but lack of attacking threat hampers Rangers

Marti Cifuentes suffered his first home defeat as QPR head coach after falling to a 1-0 loss to Southampton at Loftus Road.

Rangers defended well against the promotion-chasers for long spells but were beaten by a first-half goal from Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Loftus Road.

Asmir Begovic – 7

 Nothing he could do with the goal. Commanded his box well throughout and made a good save from Shea Charles late on.

Reggie Cannon – 6

Switched off at the back post to allow Harwood-Bellis to turn home Southampton’s decisive goal. Was otherwise solid once again, dealing well with tricky winger Sam Edozie throughout.

Jimmy Dunne – 6

Looks settled with Clarke-Salter next to him and this was another decent showing as he made five clearances. Still lacks confidence on the ball but did start a good move in the second half when he turned out of pressure and played a nice diagonal to Kenneth Paal.

Jake Clarke-Salter – 7

Another really strong performance from the defender both with and without the ball. Made three tackles and two blocks. Almost caught out late on when Che Adams charged down his clearance, but Cifuentes will want him available as much as possible over the busy festive period.

Kenneth Paal – 7

Made a brilliant tackle on Will Smallbone in the first half to deny him a clear run at goal and was always composed in possession. Arguably could have done more to stop Adam Armstrong getting in front of him to flick the ball on at the free-kick Southampton scored from.

Elijah Dixon-Bonner – 6

Was a big part of QPR’s aggressive pressing early in the game but had few chances to show his quality on the ball.

Sam Field – 7

The sort of game that suits him, with less emphasis on finding passes to break down opponents. Made a number of really smart interceptions and tackles and helped get QPR up the pitch with his pressing in the second half.

Andre Dozzell – 6

Tidy with possession when he could get on the ball but gave away the silly foul that led to Southampton’s goal.

Chris Willock – 6

Had some bright moments in the second half after a quiet start to the game but was diligent in his defensive work throughout. Missed a decent chance after being played through by Chair before being replaced by Paul Smyth in the final 15 minutes.

Lyndon Dykes – 6

Started the game really well, winning most of his duels with the Southampton centre-backs. QPR struggled to get him involved after the break and this was another game in which he never really had an opportunity to trouble the scoresheet.

Ilias Chair – 6

As usual, was QPR’s brightest attacking spark. Arguably guilty of overplaying at times and could have made more of a number of decent chances to cross at the start of the second half. Rangers can look a bit stuck for ideas in the final third when he is not at his best.

Subs:

Ziyad Larkeche – 6

Another bright showing from the bench from the full back.

Sinclair Armstrong – 5

Struggled to impact the game after coming on, one bad tough spoiled an opportunity to counterattack.

Paul Smyth – 6

QPR struggled to get him on the ball as Southampton shut down the game, finally made a telling run late on but proved to be too little too late.

Charlie Kelman – NA

Albert Adomah – NA