QPR player ratings from 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City – Smyth and Kolli bright sparks but Rangers now six without a win
QPR’s winless run stretched to six games as they were beaten 2-1 by Cardiff at Loftus Road on New Year’s Day.
Headed goals from Dimitris Goutas and Perry Ng meant a second-half equaliser from Paul Smyth counted for little and Rangers started the new year with defeat.
Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Loftus Road.
Asmir Begovic – 5
Made a couple of good saves from Rubin Colwill in the second half but his decision to come out and try and claim a corner he was never reaching allowed Ng to head the winner into an empty net.
Reggie Cannon – 5
Looked out of sorts and possibly injured at times, with Colwill giving him problems in both halves.
Jimmy Dunne – 5
Was up for the physical challenge early on, winning a number of headers and tackles as Cardiff tried to test the QPR backline. Was towered above by Goutas for Cardiff’s opening goal though as QPR’s set-piece struggles continued.
Jake Clarke-Salter – 6
Solid enough in open play. Will be a worry for Cifuentes that he was hobbling when replaced by Morgan Fox in the closing stages.
Kenneth Paal – 5
Struggled to get to grips with Cardiff’s Yakou Meite in the first half, conceding the corner, which resulted in the visitors scoring their first goal. Set-piece delivery was not at its best
Elijah Dixon-Bonner – 6
Played one particularly nice pass with the outside of his foot in the first half but could do little to help QPR look an attacking threat in a tepid first half. Replaced by Albert Adomah midway through the second half.
Sam Field – 5
Found it hard to conduct QPR’s attacks with Cardiff sitting deep and letting the midfielder have the ball.
Andre Dozzell – 5
Struggled to take on the creative burden in the absence of others. Tidy on the ball as usual but QPR are in a situation now where they need more to start picking up results.
Paul Smyth – 7
A quiet afternoon came to life after he scored the equaliser early in the second half. Had another effort from the edge of the box that flew just wide and began to make Cardiff’s defence panic with his dribbling afterwards, getting two different defenders booked.
Lyndon Dykes – 5
Tried to make himself busy and become QPR’s talisman with Ilias Chair and Chris Willock absent but too often let moves break down with a loose touch or a poor pass. Dropped deeper in the second half but did little to improve the team’s attacking play.
Ziyad Larkeche – 5
Showed plenty of energy and willing in an unfamiliar position but struggled to make an impact in an attacking sense.
Subs:
Rayan Kolli – 7
Brought quality and energy to the QPR attack after being introduced at half-time. Produced a delifghful curling cross to set up Smyth to equalise. Will be a concern that he was later taken off as QPR chased a second goal.
Albert Adomah – 6
A couple of nice touches off the bench but unable to add any real creativity.
Sinclair Armstrong – NA
Morgan Fox – NA
PICTURES: ROB AVIS