QPR v Northampton player ratings

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Yeni Ngbakoto’s first-half goal took QPR through to the second round of the Carabao Cup. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 1-0 win against 10-man Northampton.

Matt Ingram: 7

Another impressive showing when given an opportunity. Produced an early save and his handling was solid as Northampton sent dangerous balls into his area from both flanks in the second half.

Steven Caulker: 6

Making his first appearance since last October, Caulker was understandably rusty early on and his touch let him down on a couple of occasions. But he grew into the game, played his part in a resolute defensive performance and completed the 90 minutes.

Nedum Onuoha: 7

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Was caused problems but stuck to the task. Saved the day with a couple of last-ditch challenges, underlining that he is better defending instinctively than when he has more time to think.

Jack Robinson: 7

Defended well in his left-sided role and got forward on occasions too, having his team’s only two attempts on goal before the deadlock was broken. More importantly for Rangers, his fitness looked very encouraging and certainly a big improvement on where it was months ago.

Darnell Furlong: 7

Caught out a few times and is still learning, but showed plenty of initiative on the right and his powerful header from Luke Freeman’s cross led to Ngbakoto’s goal.

Ariel Borysiuk: 7

Excellent in the deep midfield role in the first half, when he won several challenges and used the ball well. Found the going tougher after that but there were encouraging signs.

Luke Freeman: 8

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Delightful in both Rangers’ opening games. He was full of running as well as tricks and creativity. His cross led to the goal and he almost scored in the second half with a thumping volley.

Ryan Manning: 7

Tried too hard at times, showing a lack of composure. But he worked hard, rescued Rangers when he cleared off the line and also went close with a long-range strike when his shot was tipped on to the bar.

Yeni Ngbakoto: 7

Scored with a tap-in and was involved in some of Rangers’ other best moments, including when he saw a shot deflected wide and when he teed up Freeman with a clever flick. Doesn’t do enough off the ball to satisfy Ian Holloway though.

Idrissa Sylla: 6

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Didn’t have any joy in front of goal and the movement of the front two was poor at times in the first half. Did more after the break, taking up some good positions and taking some rough treatment from Northampton defenders.

Matt Smith: 6

Static but worked hard before going off after taking a blow to the head in the second half.

Iisla Chair: 6

The 19-year-old Belgian midfielder showed some nice touches and plenty of determination after coming on for his debut just after the hour mark.

Conor Washington: 7

Bright after coming on and is clearly playing with confidence.