I made a late decision to go today, along with the lad and bloody hell, am I glad I did. What a fantastic performance today. Slick, one touch passing and the solid as ever defence. Boro were very poor, but we were superb and 2-0 was the least it could have been. We had a nailed on penalty turned down by the God-awful ref and our dominance could easily have seen us stick 2 or 3 more in the old onion bag. If I were to be a little picky, I still don't understand why Carroll is playing the deepest of the three central midfield players and he can give the ball away in very dodgy positions when he's just in front of the back 4. I suppose Harry wants to play Carroll, Barton and O'Neil and Barton and O'Neil are wanted further forward. We played 4-1-4-1 with Carroll in front of the back four and Kranjcar and O'Neil either side of Barton and the superb Faurlin. How wonderful to see Ali somewhere back to his best. He was magnificent today, linking up superbly with all the other midfielders. It was also interesting to see him playing slightly further forward, often cropping up in the inside left position. In fact, he was in that very position and about to pull the trigger when he was blatantly pushed down in the box. How that idiot of a ref couldn't give that I just don't know! Austin was his usual industrious self, although he missed another sitter just before we were awarded the penalty for handball (amazing that the ref actually gave us the decision!!). There was a period of play during the 2nd half when Rangers were pinging the ball all around the pitch, with wonderful one-touch passes and Boro were made to look like a pub team. After that period of play the whole ground stood and applauded. It was a fantastic moment. All around me in PU people were smiling and enjoying the great football Rangers were playing. BTW it's a long time since I've sat in the upper loft and it was great. No long queues for the loo and food, although the leg room seems a little tighter than Ellerslie Rd if that's possible. I think most of us thought (apart from flyer) that this sort of performance was bound to happen eventually and it was great to be there to see it. 4-5-1 worked well, especially in the central areas where the ball was pinged around superbly. Boro were really outplayed here. Kranjcar looked class at times and he looks like the one who could get those creative moments going for us. My player ratings: Green - 7 - Nothing to do, but one bad kick that went straight to their forward. Almost a Greenesque cock-up. Simpson - 8 - Solid in defence and continuously overlapped for the entire game. Dunne - 8 - Cruising at this level. Hill - 7 - Solid, apart from one moment where he nearly let them in. BOE - 8 - Oozes class. although he clearly doesn't like heading the ball! Fantastic curled passes down the line (we were sat right in line behind them). Carroll - 7 - Good on the ball and linked the play well. He did give the ball away 2 or 3 times in very dangerous positions which is why I wouldn't play him so deep. Kranjcar - 8 - Looked class and delivered some superb passes. Understandably tired towards the end. Barton - 9 - Superb display from Barton. Linked superbly with the other midfield players. Faurlin - 9 - Brilliant display and linked up with Barton and Oneill superbly. Great vision at times. Welcome back Ali!! O'Neill - 9 - Another superb display from one of our midfielders. Never stopped running and was part of that wonderful midfield performance from Rangers. Austin - 8 - Ran and ran. Won some good headers and took quite a battering for his trouble. Took the penalty well but should have scored just before that after getting on the end of a fantastic Rangers passing move. Subs: Ehmer - 7 - Looked fine and didn't look out of place. Henry - 7 - Solid without the flair of Faurlin who he replaced. Hoilett - 7 - One great run with a weak shot was all he really had time to do. Fantastic Rangers..................That was the type of football that many on here have been calling for!!
Great to read an eye-witness report, thanks. I could only follow the match on the Bet365 live "wave", but even on that, it was obvious our degree of possession, especially with all the corner kicks racking up. on BAE -I guess with hair like that, you don't want to mess it all up heading the ball?
A Col match report, how much better can today get? Are you getting carried away with your ratings mate, or were we really that good? Typical isn't it, the first home match I miss this season and we actually play well. I know he didn't play for long, but can you give any more impression of Ehmer?
Thanks Col, been waiting for an eyewitness report. This sounds very very encouraging, delighted that Ale had a good one. With these players we knew it would come. I'm incredibly happy that the crowd, with that standing ovation, showed Harold and the board what QPR fans really want - proper football.
Thanks Col. Great write up from you - have missed them! It reflects most I read except this more down beat one from Vital QPR. You have Ale playing a better game than most though. """""Queens Park Rangers secured another three points, their seventh victory of the season, as they eased past Middlesbrough in a 2-0 win at Loftus Road today. First-half goals from Joey Barton and Charlie Austin ensured Rangers retained top spot in the Sky Bet Championship. QPR arguably put in their best display of the season so far as they kept a seventh consecutive clean sheet, equalling a club record. Middlesbrough rarely threatened throughout the 90 minutes and Rangers produced an efficient performance to see them take maximum points. Joey Barton got the hosts off to an impressive start as he netted inside just four minutes and QPR soon doubled their lead as Charlie Austin slotted home a penalty after Ben Gibson was penalised for a handball. The second half brought very few chances to a game that won`t be remembered for its entertainment factor, but Rangers were proficient in ensuring they shut out Boro to take home another three points. QPR host bottom side Barnsley next week and will be hoping to extend their lead at the top with another victory. Read more: http://www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=333893#ixzz2gDumZ3eu """"""""
Couldn't make it today and didn't even know how it was going until midway through the second half. Delighted to read Col's report. It was just a matter of time, eh. I'd have loved to experience that moment of appreciation. Fantastic.
After the Brum game Col, I had genuine concerns about our lack of creativity. I mentioned that evening that I had never seen two fullbacks less willing to get forward. In the modern game it's vitally important and in Simpson and BAE I think we easily have the best in this division. I think it's plausible to suggest with so many new players again this summer, that it would take Harry time to work out his best 11 and what formation to play. I really think with Krancjar, Hoilett, Philips and Austin, we have the firepower to succeed. We really need Lady Luck to keep the injuries away. All things being equal, we should get better and better as the season goes on. Great report mate.
Thanks Col, that was an excellent read. Frustrating to only follow it on the net, it helps though that we keep winning. Your reports have been sorely missed, hopefully you and young Will have got the taste of it and can't keep away from now. Top work mate
In my opinion, I don't think BAE looked that good as a defender today. That black winger of theirs was never under control under his watch. He did ok, though, but I think he was the weaker of our defenders today.
I rate your reviews Col, couldn't make the game myself, but what (or who) made the difference in your opinion?
Col, after the drivel we all had to endure last season, it is great to see a very positive match report from your good self. I am also delighted for you that yourself and Will were there to witness it. I enjoyed the read very much. Cheers.
Here is the end of the passing move Col waxed lyrical about [video=youtube;tOglI4ezLRE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tOglI4ezLRE[/video]
that sort of quick passing is exactly what we want and expect from Rangers Without Faurlin we would not get that, he is the man that can make us click in the middle
Thankx for the report Col & the clip Roller I finally feel that I have a club I can be proud of again.....been a long time. Wore my rangers shirt with pride on the beach today and got chatting to a couple of spuds fans.. Roller...THAT IS US, THATS WHAT WE DO, AND THATS HOW WE DO IT !!..love that really would have lovec to be back HOME for that performance Its all good....its all HOOPS !!
Great report that, cheers Col. I was going to go yesterday, but didn't in the end coz I was a little under the weather. By the sounds of the report I wish I had now. Sounds like a really positive showing from the boys.
