Player ratings from QPR’s 2-1 defeat at home to Leicester – Committed defensive display from makeshift backline undone by Dozzell red card
A late Harry Winks goal condemned QPR to a ninth-successive game without a win in a 2-1 defeat to Championship leaders Leicester City.
Andre Dozzell had drawn Gareth Ainsworth’s side level following Stephy Mavidi’s opener, but the midfielder’s sending off early in the second half played a significant part in undoing a committed defensive display.
Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Loftus Road.
Asmir Begovic – 6
Made one important stop from Abdul Fatawu at the start of the second half and another from Ricardo Pereira in injury time along with a couple of more straightforward saves. Not a great deal he could have done about either of Leicester’s goals.
Albert Adomah – 8
Forced to play wing-back due to QPR’s current absences in defence and stuck to his task admirably. Made as many tackles as any other player on the pitch and also provided the dangerous cross into the box in the build-up to Dozzell’s equaliser. Noticeably tired in the latter stages and was replaced by Paul Smyth in the 88th minute.
Reggie Cannon – 6
A competent home debut from the American defender. Rarely put a foot wrong on the right of the back three in a makeshift defence and doubled up well with Adomah to help shackle the dangerous Mavididi for long spells.
Osman Kakay – 7
Another who did well despite being forced into a less familiar position. Usually more at home on the right of the back three, he played centrally here and hardly gave Jamie Vardy a kick. Also won a number of important headers throughout the game.
Sam Field – 7
Looked comfortable in the backline and contributed plenty of blocks and tackles along with his fellow centre-backs.
Kenneth Paal – 7
Was given a tough afternoon by Fatawu but often gave as good as he got. Made a series of interceptions and tackles to restrict Leicester to few clear sightings of Begovic’s goal.
Jack Colback – 6
Went about his defensive work with typical aggression and robustness. Was perhaps too eager at times, giving away a number of fouls but rarely threatened to let the side down.
Andre Dozzell – 4
A real hero to zero performance as he took his goal in the first half brilliantly as the ball bobbled towards him on the edge of the box but his sending off put even more pressure on a defence that was already under the cosh. His first yellow was necessary to stop Leicester from getting into the QPR box but the second for a shove on Fatawu was foolish at best.
Ilias Chair – 6
Was QPR’s brightest hope in attack but was always going to be a struggle for him to influence the game given how little of the ball his team had. Was rarely wasteful in possession on the occasions he did get it.
Lyndon Dykes – 6
Hardly involved for much of the game but was only denied the opening goal just before Dozzell struck by a goal-line clearance. Went about his defensive work well, clearing a number of Leicester corners.
Charlie Kelman – 5
Played an important part in trying to disrupt Leicester’s build-up play and stuck to his task well. Was rarely involved in an attacking sense but was hardly his fault alone. Made the wrong decision to shoot instead of pick out Chair from one particularly dangerous turnover. Replaced by Elijah Dixon-Bonner as Ainsworth changed the formation following the red card.
Subs:
Elijah Dixon-Bonner – 5
Thrust into action in the aftermath of Dozzell’s sending off but struggled to impact the game.
Paul Smyth – NA
Chris Willock – NA
PICTURES: ROB AVIS