QPR

QPR v Stoke player ratings


QPR could only manage a 0-0 draw with Stoke despite the visitors playing most of the match with only 10 men. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player on a frustrating afternoon at Loftus Road.

Joe Lumley: 6

Unlike last Saturday’s dismal loss at Brentford, a fairly quiet afternoon for the QPR keeper with Stoke largely restricted to hopeful efforts from distance.

Jordan Cousins: 6

Occupying a right-back role, Cousins got forward on occasions and kept Stoke pinned back on their left-hand side in the first half while managing to whip in the occasional promising cross.

Toni Leistner: 6

Reasonably solid at the back alongside Grant Hall, although Stoke lacked variety in their rare attacks other than the direct route, rarely troubling the German stopper.

Grant Hall: 6

Sent off for a second yellow card after ungainly chopping down Tom Ince in the 87th minute. Otherwise kept a close eye on Benik Afobe and dealt with the physical threat of the Potters forward well. Originally ended up in the referee’s notebook for what appeared a fairly innocuous challenge on his main adversary but was slack in possession on a couple of occasions.

Jake Bidwell: 7

Picked himself up after the disappointment of last week’s heavy west London derby defeat against former club Brentford with a customary dependable display. Kept close to both Afobe and Stoke midfielder Ince rarely had an opportunity to press forward.

Pawel Wszolek: 5

A disappointing afternoon for the Pole. As Stoke’s approach got more physical and, at times, ungracious, he ended up getting a caution for a touchline clash with James McClean and was withdrawn at half-time.

Massimo Luongo: 6

Fired a dangerous-looking left-footed shot a few inches wide as the R’s attempted to take speedy advantage of the Stoke red card. Occasionally wayward crossing when QPR were in a position to open up the visitors.

Josh Scowen: 6

On the receiving end of Sam Clucas’ cynical stamp which resulted in the Stoke player’s dismissal. Keen to help out Cousins on the right as QPR pressed. A busy display but tired before being replaced by Olamide Shodipo.

Luke Freeman: 7

A busy start to the game and should have got a bit more power in a 19th-minute effort just inside the penalty area. Subsequently tested Stoke keeper Jack Butland with a long-range grass cutter with Rangers enjoying momentum. Moved over to the right in the second half as part of Steve McClaren’s tactical shake-up. QPR’s best performer on a frustrating afternoon.

Tomer Hemed: 6

A quiet outing for on the on-loan striker. Often the target for rough treatment by Nathan Jones’ men. Got stronger in the second half and was unfortunate not to win a penalty with a handball shout against McClean before drawing a fine save from Butland with a well-directed 81st-minute header.

Nakhi Wells: 6

As expected, encountered an ultra-physical defensive pair in imposing centre halves Ryan Shawcross and Danny Batth. The striker was also involved in a touchline skirmish with Tom Edwards. Brought out the best in Butland, who saved his angled effort in the 52nd minute.

Bright Osayi-Samuel: 7

Replaced the ineffective Wszolek at the interval. Started well, with a powerful run and cross on the left, and was a constant threat.

Olamide Shodipo: 6

Came on for Scowen as McClaren opted for extra freshness in attack. Lively and sent in a good cross towards Hemed.

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Julian Taylor
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Julian Taylor
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