QPR Player Ratings: Varane's 'Stinker' and Mbengue's 'Kamikaze' in 4-0 Middlesbrough Loss
Another forgettable day unfolded at Loftus Road as Queens Park Rangers were comprehensively thrashed 4-0 by Middlesbrough, a result that deepens the scrutiny on head coach Julien Stephan and dashes any lingering hopes of a playoff push. The London side, now sitting 16th in the Championship, have conceded a staggering 11 goals in their last three matches, following up a 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield United with this humiliating loss.
Middlesbrough, eyeing automatic promotion, capitalized on QPR's defensive frailties and lackluster midfield play to secure a comfortable victory. The R's season, which once showed promise as playoff contenders, now risks ending in dismal fashion, with the team only 12 points above the relegation zone. Here is a detailed breakdown of how each QPR player performed in this disappointing outing.
Goalkeeper and Defense
Joe Walsh (GK) - 4/10: The goalkeeper had a day to forget, arguably at fault for multiple goals. He was weak in dealing with the first goal, slow to recover for the second, and unable to parry the ball to safety for the third. While not helped by the chaotic defense in front of him, questions persist about QPR's goalkeeping options.
Rhys Norrington-Davies (LB) - 6/10: Showed occasional drive up the flank but was limited by poor support from Koki Saito. Defensively, he was flat-footed for Middlesbrough's opening goal, highlighting his struggles.
Jimmy Dunne (CB) - 6/10: Made a strong early challenge but failed to organize the disorganized defense as captain. He did pose an aerial threat in the opposition box, offering a minor positive.
Ronnie Edwards (CB) - 6/10: Prevented the scoreline from being worse with several smart interventions. His excellent cross-field ball in the second half sparked QPR's best move of the day, though such moments were rare.
Amadou Mbengue (RB) - 3/10: Described as 'kamikaze' in his positioning, Mbengue had a disastrous performance. He was caught on the wrong side for the second goal and failed to close down for the third, costing his team dearly.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden (CM) - 5/10: Looked off the pace and increasingly leggy as the match progressed. While not the worst performer, he contributed little to QPR's efforts.
Kieran Morgan (CM) - 5/10: Needed to be more assertive and involved. Not directly guilty of major errors, but the 19-year-old failed to get stuck in when his team needed him most.
Jonathan Varane (CM) - 2/10: Started both halves brightly with energetic pressing but then dropped what was termed an 'absolute stinker'. His passing was sloppy, including a moment that drew loud groans from the crowd when he chipped an easy pass out for a throw-in, epitomizing QPR's woes.
Attack
Koki Saito (LW) - 4/10: Struggled to make an impact, lacking the physicality to challenge Callum Brittain. He offered little threat and should have been substituted earlier in the game.
Richard Kone (ST) - 4/10: Nothing seemed to work for the striker, who appeared lethargic in his movement. He was also starved of quality service from his teammates.
Harvey Vale (RW) - 6/10: Provided a brief spark in the second half, exploiting moments when Matt Targett was out of position. However, this period ended with Middlesbrough scoring their second goal. Vale hit the post with a decent long-range strike late on, offering a glimmer of hope.
Substitutes
The substitutes made little impact: Paul Smyth (5/10), Daniel Bennie (4/10), Jake Clarke-Salter (6/10), Tylon Smith (3/10), and Esquerdinha (N/A). Their contributions did little to alter the course of the match.
Overall, this performance underscores the challenges facing QPR as they aim to salvage something from a season that has rapidly unraveled. With defensive errors and midfield ineptitude on full display, Julien Stephan has much to ponder ahead of their next fixture.
