Queens Park Rangers tasted defeat in their first game of the 2015-16 Championship season as they went down 2-0 to London rivals Charlton Athletic. Chris Ramsey’s side went to the Valley as favourites but spent much of the game frustrated, as the hosts played with confidence and character. Goals from Tony Watt and Morgan Fox in the second-half gave the Addicks a deserved win.
Both sides played fresh-faced teams having done business throughout the summer. Charlton boss Guy Luzon handed debuts to Ahmed Kashi, Patrick Bauer, Simon Makienok and El-Hadji Ba, while Rangers gave competitive starts to Massimo Luongo, Tjaronn Chery, James Perch and Paul Konchesky. In demand Charlie Austin was also a surprise inclusion, being paired up front with Jamie Mackie.
QPR dominated the first 20 minutes of the match with the ball being passed around nicely between Luongo, Chery and the consistent Karl Henry. Austin set up Chery early on to force the first save of the game from Charlton goalkeeper Nick Pope. Minutes later it was Chery finding Austin from a corner, though the Englishman’s effort was deflected wide.
The tenacious Jamie Mackie seemed to please the 3200 traveling QPR fans with industrious work in the Charlton half. However, he was lucky not to be punished after he lashed out at Chris Solly following a tough tackle from the defender. At this point Charlton seemed to have eased into the game, with Johann Gudmundsson and Patrick Bauer pressuring the visitors through to the half.
The second-half belonged to Charlton, taking the lead in the 52nd minute. 21-year-old Tony Watt was the culprit as he cut inside James Perch and sent a blistering shot into the bottom-left corner past the gloves of Rob Green. The young Scotsman then turned provider 20 minutes later, knocking the ball back for Morgan Fox. The defender struck well from outside the 18-yard box to beat Green at the back post.
Watt could be a game changer
Watt proved an insightful substitution by Luzon and together with Gudmundsson, generated most of Charlton’s chances. The former Celtic player showed an ability to create space and burst past opposition with frightening pace. Keeping Watt fit and injury free could be vital for a team who many have tipped for relegation.
Experience did not show in QPR defence
QPR showed small glimpses that they could emulate the slick attacking football Ramsey hopes to see this year. However, a severe lack of both control in the midfield, and quality at the back, displayed the team’s fragility. Perch and Konchesky both failed to display the defensive experience they were brought in for, while captain Nedum Onuoha had to rely on speed to recover from several errors of his own. The overall performance was reminiscent of many of last season’s defensive nightmares.
No movement in midfield
The midfield became more static for both teams as the game progressed. Luongo’s bright start soon faded as his nerves showed, especially in physical contests. Veterans Ale Faurlin and Karl Henry gave underwhelming performances as well. Winger Matt Phillips and front man Austin compounded QPR’s woes, both of whose scintillating form from last season was nowhere to be found. Their inclusion in the game amid constant transfer speculation may have been a mistake from Ramsey.
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Rangers will have to find more goals
Austin in particular looks set to leave but his 18 goals in the Premier League last season proved how vital he is to Rangers. His departure would mean these goals must be either provided by a new striker, or spread throughout the team. It is unlikely that new boys Jay Emmanuel Thomas or Sebastian Polter can emulate the form of Austin, despite their individual strengths. Coaxing goals from the midfield seems a more likely scenario.
This method would suit new signing Chery. The Dutch playmaker provided several moments of class as he proved the greatest threat to Charlton’s goal. The No.10 also showed his prowess from set pieces, narrowly missing a free kick on 35 minutes. Linking Chery up with compatriot Leroy Fer could definitely provide some much need creativity and movement in the centre of the park.
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