QPR v Blackburn player ratings
QPR are just three points from the play-off places after beating Blackburn at Loftus Road. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 2-1 win.
Paul Nardi: 7
Produced two fine saves to deny Tyrhys Dolan and always looked assured.
Jimmy Dunne: 7
Back in the side – and still at the club despite pre-deadline interest from Sheffield United. Anyone wondering about Dunne’s commitment and mentality after the events of the past few days received an emphatic answer as he produced a typically wholehearted display.
Steve Cook: 7
Still regaining his sharpness after a recent injury but was an important presence at the back. And he drove the team forward in the build-up to the winner, which came after Cook launched the ball into the box from the right-hand side.
Ronnie Edwards: 7
Understated but effective alongside Cook. His ability to bring the ball out of defence was vital to how Rangers were set up – and he showed his defensive ability, particularly when stopping Dolan with a timely challenge in the first half.
Kenneth Paal: 7
Paal’s left-sided combination with Koki Saito didn’t click. But the Dutchman was always willing to get forward and was defensively solid apart from a dodgy spell in the first half.
Sam Field: 7
Protected the back four very well and helped Rangers regain the initiative after a decent spell by Rovers.
Kieran Morgan: 7
Worked tirelessly in midfield before making way for Jack Colback on 70 minutes.
Paul Smyth: 6
Lively in the first half, and threatened when he cut in from the right flank and fired over. Faded after the interval though before being replaced.
Ilias Chair: 7
Electrifying at times in the first half, but was guilty of some poor finishing. Dragged a shot wide after beautifully evading a challenge, and then shot straight at keeper Aynsley Pears from point-blank range following a slick R’s move.
Koki Saito: 5
After some great recent cameo appearances, Saito didn’t reach the same level of performance after being given a starting place. He offered little going forward and gave away a penalty, having got away with an apparent trip in the box in the first half.
Michael Frey: 7
Gave Rangers the perfect start by scoring an early goal, but it was a tough grind up front for Frey after that as he battled with Blackburn’s centre-backs and had no further sights of goal. He worked hard before going off midway through the second half.
Yang Min-Hyeok: 6
Lively after coming on for his home debut
Alfie Lloyd: 6
Caused problems for Blackburn after replacing Frey – including in the build-up to Colback’s winner.
Jack Colback: 7
Scored with a thumping left-footed strike soon after coming on. The wiley midfielder, fit again after injury, could yet have a major role to play this season.