A MATT Phillips wonder-goal was but a mere footnote as Queens Park Rangers crashed to what could be a defining defeat away at Crystal Palace.
The visitors were blown away in a first half littered with more of the the self-inflicted wounds that have caused QPR to be entrenched in a drop-zone that continues to lose pace with the pack.
Firstly it was Wilfried Zaha that slid home Yannick Bolasie’s far post cross to hand the Eagles a 22nd minute advantage – and the hosts did not look back from that point onwards.
History repeated itself shortly before half time when it was Bolasie that played architect down the left – his centre this time found James McArthur, who tucked home from close range.
A minute later and Palace had put the game firmly beyond their beleaguered visitors – Joel Ward cutting inside from the right flank and sending a deflected effort beyond a visibly deflated Rob Green.
A string of embarrassing first half displays thankfully improved after the break – owing mainly to Palace easing their foot from the peddle.
There was time for a moment of magic from Matt Phillips as the improving winger let fly from fully 43-yards to send an unstoppable dipping strike beyond Julian Speroni and give the visiting faithful something to cheer.
Too fleeting however as the broken record that is Queens Park Rangers recent form continues to play out in disappointing fashion – a side that now looks like it is preparing for life back in the Championship next season.
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