Ratings vs. QPR

[D_D]

Everyone's attention has naturally turned to Forest, but I think it's worth reflecting on a huge win vs. QPR.

QPR undoubtedly came with a game plan, which revolved around keeping two solid banks of four, hitting us hard and early, playing long balls up to the front two as quickly as possible. The fact they played a left back at left mid, and Karl Henry at right mid really highlighted these intentions. It has to be said, it was a tough game, due to the fact they had a fair few decent individuals on the pitch. Their front two of Austin and Phillips were very dangerous, but we dealt with them very well. Onuoha looked good at the back, and Green is a commanding keeper. We had to grind out a win, and despite having chances to sew the game up, it's nice to see us hold onto a 1-0 lead, without QPR really looking threatening.

The ratings:

Carson 8- Without an actual save to make, he gets an 8 due to his excellent work from crosses, and his vocal approach. QPR put some telling balls in

[MauldenMike]

I might change an 8 to a 7 and vice versa but generally agree with the most important thing being everyone contributed to a solid performance. First 20 minutes of second half were outstanding. Harsh to have JR as only player below 7!

Given midfield performances who would you move to bench on Friday?

[RamBamFan]

I think Martin struggled to get in the game, and had to move out wide numerous times to get a chance on the ball which is not his game at all. In fact he's struggled to get into the game in the last two now, but at least we're showing that we don't have to rely on his performances to get a result like we did last season. I think Johnson and Hendrick struggled a bit as well, the former will be looking forward to getting into a more advanced position on Friday. I'd change a couple of ratings but otherwise a great write up D_D! Solid 8/10 rating for you.

[D_D]

Maulden, I'd move Hendrick to the bench for Thorne and play with Johnson and Butterfield as the two centre mids. You?

Also I thought Russell was the only player who nothing really came off for. Nothing personal, I love the guy!

[AnagRam]

Think Butterfield's 8 is a tad generous but otherwise agree completely with that D_D. Not sure many refs 'like' Martin much and a bit concerned about JR at the moment, can't fault his work rate or his commitment and the defensive cover he provides is invaluable but at the business end of the pitch we seem to be still waiting. I know Triz will have a fit but...he's in his third season now, had plenty of opportunity and his work rate is second to none...it's just a case of where is the regular and reliable end product?

[roger_ramjet]

Martin has been out of sorts for 2 games, RBF?

Probably because he has had Weimann up front with him getting in the way and doing things wrong!!

[RamBamFan]

Probably Rog!

[ManxRam]

I think on form and confidence Butterfield has to stay in the first XI so Hendrick to a bench that will also contain Ince & Bent.

[triz]

Think Butterfield's 8 is a tad generous but otherwise agree completely with that D_D. Not sure many refs 'like' Martin much and a bit concerned about JR at the moment, can't fault his work rate or his commitment and the defensive cover he provides is invaluable but at the business end of the pitch we seem to be still waiting. I know Triz will have a fit but...he's in his third season now, had plenty of opportunity and his work rate is second to none...it's just a case of where is the regular and reliable end product?

To be fair to johnny he had bagged a fair few goals this season, I'm not sure of his assists but I'm sure he'll have a few of them too. He may have gone off the boil a touch but he'll come back, probably against forest, I'm predicting a 30 yard screamer or a bicycle kicked wonder goal on Friday now.

[su4eranio]

Good summary again D_D. I would have given all the defence 8's last night. For all the better possession QPR had, particularly in 1st half, not once did defenders leave Carson exposed to anything other than catches. All the defenders were immense, and that is a decent front line QPR have in this division

Can I also say that sometimes the expectations of fans can be overly critical. If players are in the Championship, then they have flaws to their game and/or inconsistency. Anyone expecting top class performances week in week out are kidding themselves. We have to judge players based on the standard they are playing at. Case in question, JR.... he cant be a world beater every week, but he does give 110% every game, and he doesnt hide. So what if his efforts dont get rewarded with end product every time. I am more critical of players who tend to hide in games for fear of not performing to fans high expectations

Finally, Butterfield for me is showing now what we expected. Go