QPR v Norwich player ratings
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QPR came from behind to beat Norwich in a fine performance at Loftus Road. Here’s how we rated each Rangers player in the 4-1 win.
Alex Smithies: 7
The Rangers goalkeeper was quick off his line when Norwich threatened in the early stages and, while he rarely came under pressure, he produced two good saves to thwart Nelson Oliveira.
Darnell Furlong: 6
Although Furlong was often caught out of position, leaving space for Josh Murphy to exploit, he also made some important clearances late on to keep the door firmly closed on the visitors.
Nedum Onuoha: 8
The QPR skipper was in majestic form, tidying up efficiently when his team-mates left gaps at the back – and even embarked on a few eye-catching charges deep into Norwich territory.
Joel Lynch: 6
Lynch’s positioning was sometimes suspect as he gave away some unnecessary free-kicks and was also booked for an untidy challenge on Oliveira during the second half. He was mostly solid though.
Jake Bidwell: 7
As well as looking solid defensively, Bidwell was effective when he got forward and supplied several testing crosses, including the balls that led to goals for Matt Smith and Ryan Manning.
Ryan Manning: 6
Largely anonymous in the first half-hour, Manning could do little to prevent the own goal – but he did better in the second half and redeemed himself with a textbook header to make it 4-1.
Massimo Luongo: 7
Worked hard at both ends of the pitch and continued his recent scoring streak by netting Rangers’ equaliser, displaying impressive technique to poke the ball home when off balance.
Josh Scowen: 7
Like many of his team-mates, the midfielder improved after a slow start.
Ian Holloway’s verdict: “We’ve got belief and why wouldn’t you have that with the skill we have on the pitch? I can see us getting stronger and stronger.”Luke Freeman: 7
As usual, Freeman flitted across the central part of the pitch throughout and went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, as well as creating chances for Ebere Eze and Matt Smith.
Matt Smith: 9
Deservedly received a standing ovation when he left the field, having headed one goal and provided assists for Luongo and Eze – as well as putting in a key defensive shift when required.
Ebere Eze: 8
Always confident on the ball and creative, Eze consistently sought to take his opponents on and kept his composure to finish off Smith’s knockdown and score Rangers’ killer third goal on the hour.
