Aston Villa v QPR player ratings

QPR produced a terrific performance to beat promotion-chasing Aston Villa 3-1. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the victory at Villa Park.

Alex Smithies: 7

Steady and composed throughout. Produced an important save to deny Albert Adomah in the first half and a brilliant stop from Jack Grealish, as well as a couple of late saves as Villa piled on the pressure.

Darnell Furlong: 8

A super performance from the right-back, who was excellent throughout. He was solid defensively – one of the highlights being a great block to thwart Grealish – and he set up the third goal for Luke Freeman. Furlong didn’t put a foot wrong against the left-sided threat of Adomah and Grealish, which Villa clearly thought would bring them some success as they were targeting that side.

Joel Lynch: 8

Had an excellent game at the heart of the defence. Sometimes his concentration slips, but not this time. Lynch did well from start to finish.

Nedum Onuoha: 8

After an iffy start, the Rangers captain found his feet and produced an outstanding performance at the back, dealing with everything Villa threw at him.

Jake Bidwell: 8

Looks much more comfortable in his natural role as full-back rather than wing-back. Got forward though, setting up the opener with a perfect cross and then scoring his first league goal for the R’s with a fine strike to make it 2-0.

Pawel Wszolek: 7

Worked exceptionally hard on the right and linked up well with Furlong. Missed a decent chance to score in the second half but his overall contribution was significant.

Ryan Manning: 8

What a return to the side for the youngster, who fully justified the decision to recall him. He has a nice range of passing and worked tirelessly. But of course the highlight of the night was Manning get in front of John Terry to head QPR into the lead.

Josh Scowen: 8

Did a great job in front of the back four, which he protected very well indeed. Frustrated Villa throughout.

Massimo Luongo: 8

Another whose effective performance in midfield played a major part in Rangers’ win. He competed, passed the ball well and always tried to get forward when possible.

Ebere Eze: 8

Wow. This lad is so exciting to watch. The teenage forward gave Villa all sorts of his problems with his pace, skill and movement. His running with the ball is effortless and he was always a threat on the counter-attack. Involved in the build up to the first goal, and having created a chance for Wszolek as well as had a shot of his own well saved, Eze can be well pleased with his night’s work. And Rangers can be well pleased with his progress.

Matt Smith: 8

While the likes of Eze will get the plaudits, Smith did a superb job for up front. In the past he has not looked a 90-minute player for Rangers, but he led the line with strength and tenacity the whole way through this time. 

James Perch: 6

A useful option for Rangers following his recovery from injury. Did a sound job after being brought on for Wszolek.

Jordan Cousins: 6

Also did a decent job after being brought on. Did the basics well and closed down effectively.

Luke Freeman: 7

Left out of the starting line-up but still made a telling contribution, firing in the third goal to cap a resounding Rangers win.