Paul Lambert thought we were brilliant but maybe he means he thinks he is getting the best he can out of this group of players, clutching at straws maybe?
QPR were dire, timewasting from the off and really look like they will be in trouble, which makes losing to them even worse.
We started the game very flat and lackluster moments of excitement from each wing but too often Cav in particular not sending in the cross when it is needed. Price got himself into the book for a lunging challenge that just wasn't needed and I can't help but think that played a part in their first goal. The first QPR goal started from a sloppy ball from Price then no real challenge on the run and an out of position Doherty not doing his job as normal. The defending for both goals was poor but we reacted quickly and finally got some ummph into our game. Price in particular just seemed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and start dictating play from midfield (from this moment on this is as good as I have seen Price play) you could see the obvious pattern of play, spreading the ball out wide and looking to get balls in the box (often with noone to attack but there we go) finally Mr Anonymous Dave Edwards popped up and its 1-1.
If you had told me at this point we would lose I wouldn't have believed it, QPR were sitting very deep and really offered very little, we should be hammering shit like this. Alas some of the worst defending, even worse than normal lead to a toe poke and another loss.
I think the fact that QPR sat back highlighted the fact we lack craft, in an open game we will do ok but this type of game we will need a little bit more and of course someone that can hit a cow (forget the ass anywhere will do)
Ikeme 5 - Nothing to do for most of the game but dithered for the 2nd goal.
Doherty 4 - Classic Doc, good going forward and always an outlet, cant defend for shit. Looked hurt at the end so I wonder if he will miss Sheff Weds?
Batth 3 - Looks shot of confidence and a disaster waiting to happen, needs replacing asap.
Stears 5 - Did better than Batth and can play a bit of football, which is nice. One moment where he took the piss in our box but got away with it. Should do a lot better for the 2nd goal.
Coady 5 - Solid if unspectacular with not much of a challenge tried to get forward to support, even though he is makeshift he is a better fullback than Doc from what I have seen.
Price 7 MOTM - grew into the game but needlessly booked, after their goal he was awesome for the rest of the game with a wonderful range of passing in all directions.
Edwards 5 - Would get a 1 or 2 for contribution but scored a goal so I will give him 5, runs around a lot but offers little (no surprise there)
Bright 6 - Frustrating, seems to lose the ball a lot but there are some little signs of magic, this boy really has something. The best chance of the first half came to him from a lovely 1-2 with Dicko he should score.
Cav 6 - Not his best game but still always looks a threat, his decision making needs working on and should be looking to cross earlier.
Costa 7 - That first touch pfff, such a talent and was fed by Price countless times, we need someone (not Dave) getting on the end of those crosses.
Dicko 5 - Just doesn't look a threat at the moment, works hard and linked well with Bright in the 1st half but I don't see a goal coming any time soon. Not all his fault the service to him was mostly in the air.
Subs,
Neither Mason nor Bod really did much in the time they were on, I expect they will start against Sheff Weds.
