The headline maybe suggests that Rangers were unlucky tonight. In truth Sunderland for 60% of the match taught John Gregory’s boys a lesson in football and i would not be at all surprised if Sunderland got promoted this year. In manager Roy Keane they have someone who in time will be a great success and has got his team fit and organised and one wonders if indeed a certain club in Manchester will be keeping a seat warm when Mr Ferguson hangs up his overcoat?
I don’t think there could be many arguments about the R’s going in at break behind as Sunderland simply spanked Rangers all over the park but one wonders about their first goal? To me it looked about 2 yards offside much to the discuss of the Rangers fans and then 60 seconds later another dodgy linesman decision disallowed Dexter Blackstock’s flick header from a Lee Cook free kick. Blackstock was without question onside when the ball left the foot of Cook and who knows if this might have changed the game. We will never know?
It is evident that injuries are playing their part on QPR at the moment and the balance of the team is not right. On several occasions the players were juggled around and it was not enough. Lee Cook was clearly not fit tonight and had not ammunition. At half time the talented winger was replaced by the young gifted Ray Jones. There was an improvement in the second period and we did rally for a while when it seemed that a tonking was on the cards but also we can also count ourselves lucky that some poor finishing from Keane’s boys did not inflict a bigger defeat. Overall we got what we deserved which was nothing but at least we did put up a fight. Almost like watching a boxer escape a count of ten in the first few rounds and then gradually hit back with some ugly bullish punches but to be picked off with neat body shots throughout the contest to lose by a unanimous decision and a bloody nose!
John Gregory has inherited a squad who are not capable of playing stylish football although when everyone is fit then there might be a small argument but with the players he has fit at the moment then he simply had no choice but to go for the direct style particularly in the second half after the withdrawl of Cook.
It was not pretty to watch but it did have an effect and for a short time there was a sense of the tide turning when Ray Jones tucked home a tidy finish from a superb reverse pass from Nick Ward. Despite this lifeline Rangers were never in control and if Ward’s late injury time fizzing shot had gone in then i would have understood Sunderland feeling bitter although i doubt any of the QPR players or fans alike would have cared.
Recently there were some talking of the play offs for Rangers but the harsh reality is that this is going to be a tough season and a very long winter. Under the guidance of Gregory we can avoid the drop and i do think that there are more than 4 or 5 teams in this league who are worse than us but possibly losing Cookie in the transfer window and an increased injury list will make for many heart stopping moments between now and May.
We shall see if Santa Claus delivers some much needed tonic at Christmas???
Player Ratings
Simon Royce
Made a few good saves but also had one or two moments of madness. Mmmmmm???
6
Marcus Bignot
Not quite been at the races for the last two matches and seemed to pick up a knock tonight which a think also had a slight effect on his play.
6
Michael Mancienne
Lots of energy and bags of pace but really does not look over confident playing at right back.
6
Zesh Rehman
This guy has really had his critics this season but i think he has shown much improvement recently although still some more work to be done.
6
Damion Stewart
Good pace and good strength. Improving all the time.
7
Martin Rowlands
Not match fit yet after recent lay off and tonight played centre and right midfield. Needs to get fit again and playing on the right consistently.
6
Nick Ward
At times he did well but at others he was lost. Really don’t know what to say except he is doing his best in an unfamiliar role whilst clearly still adapting to the English game. Nice pass for the goal.
6
Jimmy Smith
Needed someone to keep his chin up tonight and really seemed to look lost overall. Found it hard to cope with the physical encounter.
5
Lee Cook
Clearly still suffering the clattering he took against Coventry and wilted rapidly in the first 45mins. Had nothing to give except a delicious free kick that led to the goal that was not given.
5
Dexter Blackstock
Worked really hard once again. Deserves more goals for the effort he puts into his performances. Did well tonight considering the battering the team got at times.
7
Kevin Gallen
Certainly gave the team more balance than Nygaard did on saturday but often got out muscled by the bullish Sunderland defence. Played centre midfield in the second period and gave his best in not his favoured role.
6
Ray Jones
This kid really does have something special to offer Rangers and in time could end up being a real success. Came off the bench to tuck a great controlled shot into the net. Gave the team a different dimension in the second half and did well enough.
7
Paul Furlong
I was so hoping to see Furs ruffle a few feathers and score the equalizer. Found it hard to get into the game having been injured all season. Was nice to see him in a Rangers shirt again but i fear we won’t see many more.
5
Manager Rating
John Gregory
Working with a limited squad and after losing Cookie he played the direct game which in truth was the only option he had and it did make a difference. Not really sure what other alternatives he had in choosing his starting line up tonight?
6
Opponent Rating
Roy Keane
Has got his troops working hard and playing hard. His team showed a good physical presence, good shape, good pace and good movement through most of this game. Probably the best team i have seen at Loftus Road this season. Destined for a great managerial career.
8