So often as a QPR fan we get used to false dawns and a punch on the nose and Saturday`s defeat to Coventry was one of those moments. Just when we thought that another win would bring us the edge of a play off spot, our beloved Rangers ran out of steam. I was looking forward to hearing how teams above us got on in their respective matches but instead my eyes were drawn to see how the likes of Leeds, Barnsley, Sheff Wed and Crystal Palace faired.
Maybe the eight day break since we beat Cardiff was too long to gloat on a great achievement and the players started to believe the hype and perhaps did not see Coventry as I serious problem to achieve a result especially given that they only arrived via London transport at 2.20pm. I think a slight sense of complacency crept in and the added pressure to win again proved a problem. The free scoring Rangers came up against a team with a very tight defence and on this occasion we simply did not have the answers.
Recent injuries have made an impact. For example, Nick Ward clearly is not over comfortable with playing wide right. He has done ok but not well enough. All too often he wanted to cut in instead of pushing down the wing to get behind the Coventry defence. Stefan Bailey seemed to be lost in the holding role and his lack of experience was clear to see. Marc Nygaard had a chance to maybe win over the lion share of fans who think he has not got the ammunition but failed miserably to only re-confirm our opinion of him as a potent striker.
There were some positives though. Lee Cook yet again demonstrated what a top quality player he is becoming with some fantastic footwork and probing runs. Damion Stewart is fast becoming a reliable centre back and I felt on many occasions he was almost carrying the whole back four on his own. Zesh Rehman has improved in recent matches and I don`t completely blame him for the goal we conceded. To be honest it was the midfields fault in particular Bailey for not closing down and allow the ball to break so cheaply to the feet of Adebola. Also, Michael Mancienne was a spectator when the alarm bells rang and reacted too slowly to help out Rehman. Some suggested that Royce hesitated but personally I think he did what all good keepers do and that was close the angle down but on this occasion Mr Adebola was too clinical in his finish.
Defending starts from the front and that philosophy went out of the window on Saturday until the introduction of Kevin Gallen and Martin Rowlands who showed more maturity in holding the ball better and gave the team better shape. By then we were chasing the match and it all became a bit desperate. Quite simply, Coventry were more organised than us and did a good professional job in a decent away performance. Close up shop and attack with purpose when the few chances come your way. Their style may not have been pretty but it was effective. Something we can learn from.
It is evident that our squad overall is not good enough and needs more strength but unfortunately it also needs shrinking. Many fans noticed a no.40 shirt appear on the back of the programme with a certain Ukah appearing when we all thought he was playing in Italy. A few questions need answering both on and off the pitch it seems?
I don`t want to appear too critical because our record since John Gregory has taken over is pretty good and certainly anyone associated with QPR would have been more than happy to find ourselves in the position we are had a fortune teller revealed this back in mid September. The thing now is that we have to keep moving forward and not a case of two steps forward and one step back!
Player Ratings
Simon Royce
A good enough performance and did very little wrong
6
Michael Mancienne
Not the best of games defensively but looked lively going forward when he had the oppertunity.
6
Marcus Bignot
I think this was one of his worst performances since being put back into the team under Gregory. He got taken apart with the speed and physical presence of McKenzie and Adebola on too many occasions.
5
Zesh Rehman
Looking more solid and starting to form a partnership with Stewart but still concerned that he cannot seem to handle the physical aspect of defending when the ball is on the floor.
6
Damion Stewart
He is getting better with every match and the draw away to WBA has been the turning point for the Jamaican international. Solid performance.
8
Stefan Bailey
Looked every part of a tender 18 year old on this performance. Was hesitant and sloppy. I am sure there is plenty to work on as this lad has ability but a bit raw at the moment.
4
Jimmy Smith
Good work rate and links up well with the attack. Got over exposed from the under performing Bailey. Smith looks better with a more experienced partner like Lomas or Rowlands.
6
Nick Ward
Worked hard but right midfield is not his bag. Not potent enough to pose a real threat but i think he is slowly adapting to the english game.
6
Lee Cook
Simply terrific. Showed great balance, workrate, movement and style. Shame we had nobody to finish off some of his creativity!
8
Dexter Blackstock
Needs a goal. Needs a partner. Apart from that i think this player is learning more and more. The knock to his face clearly took the stuffing out of him on saturday.
6
Marc Nygaard
Built like a tank and plays like a plank!
Very frustrating to watch.
4
Ray Jones
Good effort but Nygaard did nothing to enhance his performance.
6
Kevin Gallen
Worked hard and held the ball up well and showed intelligence when needed. Lacked a bit of pace but there again we know that anyway!
6
Passed the ball well enough but looked a bit tentative in going forward. Maybe his recent injury is playing on his mind and he looked like a player protecting himself rather than expressing himself.
6
Manager Rating
John Gregory
Understand reasons for keeping same line up from the Cardiff game but i think he would have learnt a bit about certain individuals from this performance.
6
Opponent Rating
Micky Adams
Got his team to work hard, play hard and perform exactly how he wanted them to. A solid away display. Maybe a slight bit fortunate to grab all 3 points but it is all about clean sheets and scoring at the other end, eh!
8
My team to play Sunderland
Royce
Mancienne Rehman Stewart Bignot
Rowlands Lomas Smith Cook
Jones Blackstock
Subs: Gallen, Bailey, Ward, Milanese, P.Jones