There was an astonishing win for Queens Park Rangers last night as they came back from two nil down to beat Wolves 3-2 at the Monlineux.
Rangers started slow, conceding two early goals to Benik Afobe and Kevin McDonald while Wolves squandered a host of other chances which could have seen them three or four up at the break. QPR could not retain the ball and it was only a Charlie Austin header that breathed life back into the London side in the 37th minute.
From this point on the game levelled out with chances coming a both ends. Green denied Afobe early in the second half before Matt Phillips cut inside from the right to score past Damian Martinez who really should have done better. Phillips went on to double his tally in the 72nd minute after some good play from Austin and Massimo Luongo gave him space 30 yards out.
The rocket of a shot proved decisive as QPR held on to record an emphatic victory in their third match of the 2015-16 Championship.
Benick Afobe will be deadly this season
Having recently made a permanent move from Arsenal, 22-year-old Afobe is a talent to behold. His determination, technique as well as his movement on and off the ball, proved to be a nightmare for the QPR back four. Though his goal may have been courtesy of a deflection, he certainly put himself in several key positions during the 90 minutes, calling Rob Green into action numerous times. The striker ran riot and even when QPR went ahead his work rate did not drop. His partnership with Nouha Dicko, another young talent, was also a big factor in Wolves attacking play. With these two leading the charge, Wolves should expect to be pushing for promotion this season.
Luongo is looking more relaxed
It is his third competitive match for QPR now and Massimo Luongo is looking far more comfortable on the ball. Though he may lack the touch of players like Tjaronn Chery, Luongo is establishing himself as a suitable midfield option with smart and energetic play. He showed some good improvisation at times and demonstrated awareness of his teammates, picking up an assist in the process. He could have had one more late on but got greedy while one on one with Martinez. Luongo’s downfall may be his lack of experience, seemingly losing focus in the final 10 as Rangers succumbed to a late surge by Wolves. However, with 43 more games this season there should be plenty of opportunity to work on this particular shortcoming.
Matt Phillips may be more important than Charlie Austin
QPR are almost certain to lose Charlie Austin before the transfer window closes in two weeks time. The striker was one of the Premier League’s top scorers last term and has already put two away this season. However, he may not be the player Rangers want to hold on to the most. Matt Phillips, who has also been linked to a move away, could prove a better asset.
The Scottish winger has been in scintillating form since the tail end of last season, scoring some terrific goals and providing crucial assists for Austin. Scoring two and providing an assist at the Monlineux, Phillips once again showed his proficiency. His pace and shooting ability make him very dangerous from distance, plus at 24 years of age the winger still has his best days ahead of him.
Upon the return of Leroy Fer and Sandro, QPR could boast a Premier League quality midfield. And even though it will be extremely difficult to replace Austin, it is hard not to see a flurry of chances being created, with Phillips making and taking his fair share.
Mentality is everything
Rangers’ comeback demonstrates the importance of mentality in football. In fact, nearly every match can be won or lost on the back of team and individual attitude. Within the QPR camp, Alejandro Faurlin demonstrates how a positive mind-set can breed success. On the back of three ACL injuries in three years, Faurlin has come back into the first squad with the game against Wolves his first competitive start in months. His class showed despite years of missed games and practice. A similar temperament could be seen in fan favourites Austin and Phillips. Both players demonstrated a desire to win despite uncertainty surrounding their futures at Loftus Road. Rangers would be well served to maintain a similar team mentality throughout the season.
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Great article …. Won’t know how good this team is going to be until that bloody window shuts !
Have seen enough in most of the new signings to be encouraged, just need to know where we are so we can build a settled team .