QPR were lucky to edge a 1-0 away victory against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on Thursday night.
A late header form captain Nedum Onuoha dribbled in past a despairing Ali Al-Habsi, who will be disappointed after hardly being involved all game.
The win comes as interim manager Neil Warnock prepares to make way for Burton Albion manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The win moves Rangers up to 11th, while Reading missed a golden opportunity to move into the playoff positions as they remain in ninth.
QPR are preparing for life without Austin
For the second week in a row Charlie Austin found himself on the bench, with Matt Phillips taking his place up front. The natural winger has enjoyed a couple of matches leading the line, though he is yet to score. Austin’s absence is supposedly due to lack of match fitness, however this didn’t seem the case last week when came off the bench to score a winner against Leeds United. One could only assume Austin’s benching reflects a desire to sell the striker in January before his contract comes to an end.
Warnock’s preference of Phillips over QPR’s other strikers is strange, especially considering the solid form of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas just prior to the departure of Chris Ramsey. However, with the imminent arrival of Floyd-Hasselbaink, it is likely that change will swiftly follow.
The return of Ale Faurlin
It has been a wonderful return to the first team for Alejandro Faurlin, who has endured several successive years out with injury. The Argentine has reestablished his value in the team as a stalwart defensive midfielder that can pull the strings from the middle of the pitch. Looking particularly vibrant in the last fortnight, Faurlin has found form with midfield partner Sandro, who has also produced some impressive performances. Curiously, Faurlin is also one of the few remaining players who were present last time Warnock was at the helm. This relationship has no doubt benefitted Faurlin’s game and the interactions between manager and player on and off the pitch have looked extremely positive. Hopefully the playmaker can continue to thrive under the new stewardship of JFH.
No away game blowouts
Warnock’s style of play has been consistent during his entire managerial career and QPR’s recent fixtures have demonstrated this. The Englishman’s setup is built from the back, always looking to make his sides hard to break down. The pros and cons of this system were on display against Reading – defensively sound, but severely lacking at the other end. Creating chances from open play is key and something that QPR need to develop desperately if they fancy their chances of reaching the playoffs. They were reliant on yet another set piece to find a goal, but don’t underestimate the impact of gaining maximum points before their new manager takes up the vacant post.
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