QPR 1-2 Fulham, Championship: report, ratings and verdict

VS.

QPR 4-2-3-1

1

2

Fulham 4-2-3-1

Half Time: 1 - 1 Loftus Road ( Attendance: NA )
1 min

Queens Park Rangers suffered their third consecutive loss since the restart as Fulham battled to a 2-1 win in a competitive West London derby. 

In a tight encounter that hung in the balance until the very end, it was Cyrus Christie’s powerful 75th minute shot that stole the points and kept Fulham’s faint automatic promotion hopes alive. 

QPR had got off to the best possible start as Jordan Hugill rose to head home after just 51 seconds for his 12th goal of the season. 

Despite the hosts maintaining a high intensity, Fulham struck back on 21 minutes with QPR keeper Liam Kelly unable to keep out Harry Arter’s effort from 25 yards.

Luke Amos then wasted a huge chance to put the Hoops back in front before Marek Rodak produced an excellent reflex save to prevent Hugill bagging another.

However, the pendulum swung in Fulham’s favour after the interval as Christie rocketed a superb strike into the far corner to put Fulham ahead with 15 minutes remaining. 

Ryan Manning’s header cannoned off the bar in the 87th minute but the final whistle saw the Hoops remain 15th in the table with Fulham four points off the automatic promotion places.

Key Points

Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…

Key Moment

Amos had a golden opportunity to give the Hoops a half-time lead after brilliant innovation from Bright Osayi-Samuel, but his skyed effort let Fulham off the hook.

Moan of the Match

Kelly will be disappointed he couldn’t prevent Arter’s low strike from finding the net at the near post as it crept under his outstretched arms.

Talking Point

Should QPR be looking over their shoulders with a possible last-minute relegation battle?

Man of the Match

Osman Kakay – the 22-year-old started as a makeshift centre back and was tenacious throughout, matching the intensity of the occasion.

Tweet of the Match

Referee Watch

Gavin Ward (Surrey) – Handed out a fair share of bookings but no more than was necessary in a feisty derby.

Atmosphere

A performance full of application and dedication with the speakers unable to do the Loft End crowd justice.

Verdict

QPR won’t be dragged into a relegation battle if they perform with this level of intensity for the remaining six matches – they were beaten by a moment of brilliance.

Line Ups

QPR 4-2-3-1

Kelly; Kane (Shodipo, 80), Kakay, Cameron, Barbet; Ball (Chair, 90), Amos; Manning, Eze, Osayi-Samuel (Oteh, 80); Hugill

Subs not used:

Lumley, Rangel, Masterson, Bettache, Gubbins, Clarke

Booked

Hugill, Kakay

Fulham 4-2-3-1

Rodak; Christie, Hector, Ream, Odoi; Reed, Arter (Onomah, 70); Knockaert (Bryan, 70), Cairney (McDonald 90+3), Cavaleiro (Sessegnon, 90+3); Reid (Le Marchand, 79)

Subs not used:

Bettinelli, Johansen, De La Torre, Jasper

Booked

Christie, Cairney, Knockaert

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