Aston Villa v QPR player ratings
QPR came away from a midweek trip to Aston Villa empty-handed despite having the ball for large spells of the second half. Here’s how we rated Ian Holloway’s players in Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat.
Alex Smithies: 7
Left exposed by his defence for Villa’s goal but otherwise looked composed, claiming a shot from Leandro Bacuna.
Darnell Furlong: 6
A little overwhelmed early on by the pace of left-sided midfielder Jordan Amavi and the overlapping runs of left-back Neil Taylor. Did get forward well at times before being replaced on 75 minutes by Michael Petrasso.
Nedum Onuoha: 6
Was caught out by Villa’s fast start – the skipper was left for dead in the move which led to the goal, and never looked totally at ease against Jonathan Kodjia.
Grant Hall: 6
Like Onuoha, he was outmanoeuvred for the goal and had a mixed display at the heart of the defence against Villa’s mobile attack.
Jake Bidwell: 7
The pick of the back four, despite some occasional trouble with Albert Adomah. He did stand up well to the ex-Harrow Borough man at times and also attempted to kickstart attacks with crosses from the left.
Luke Freeman: 7
Sparky in the middle of the park, where QPR really got a grip, particularly in the second half. He was fleet of foot, showed good invention but just lacked a telling contribution.
Sean Goss: 6
Tidy if unspectacular from the former Manchester United man, on only his second QPR start. Replaced on 72 minutes by Conor Washington.
Massimo Luongo: 9
An excellent display from the Australia international, who showed what Rangers had missed at Derby on Friday. Cleared off the line at one end, forced Villa’s keeper into a save at the other and drove his team on in the middle of the park.
Jamie Mackie: 7
Energetic as ever, got a couple of shots away and also picked up a booking on a busy, if ultimately fruitless, evening.
Idrissa Sylla: 5
Struggled to make an impact against Villa’s well-drilled defence and it was no real surprise when he was the first to be replaced.
Yeni Ngbakoto: 8
Always looked bright and took up intelligent positions in pockets of space. Had several chances, although they were all off target, and his highlight was a clever, outside-of-the-foot cross to Matt Smith.
Matt Smith: 7
Came on after 65 minutes and was almost immediately involved as he nodded the Ngbakoto delivery just wide. Posed more questions to the Villa defence than Sylla.
