1 min
QPR failed to score in the Championship for the first time this season as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Stoke City.
The Hoops showed early promise with Ilias Chair, Chris Willock and Stefan Johansen all combining to create opportunities to open the deadlock.
Stoke also came close, only to be denied by a fantastic double-save from QPR keeper Seny Dieng to stop Tyrese Campbell before getting up quickly to save the resultant rebound.
However, the visitors did take the lead in the 14th minute as Campbell fired home after Stoke capitalised on the counter following a under-hit Andre Dozzell pass
QPR responded well in the second period with a Charlie Austin volley saved by Stoke keeper Adam Davies before being awarded a penalty shortly after.
Mario Vrancic wrestled Yoann Barbet to the ground for the spot-kick, only for Austin to step up and fail to convert – his tame strike easily palmed away by Davies.
And Stoke sealed the 12 minutes from time when Vrancic waltzed towards the box and stroked home a lovely right-footed finish.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Charlie Austin fluffed his lines with his penalty miss – had he managed to convert, the momentum of the game could easily have swung in QPR’s favour.
Moan of the Match
Andre Dozzell’s sloppy pass in the middle of the park sold Stefan Johansen short and allowed Mario Vrancic to slide the ball through to Tyrese Campbell for the opener.
Talking Point
With Lee Wallace injured, QPR have no obvious replacement. Should Mark Warburton consider dipping into the January transfer window for an adequate back-up?
Man of the Match
Seny Dieng – without the Senegalese shot-stopper, QPR could’ve been on the end of a much worse scoreline.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Tony Harrington (Cleveland) – a relatively standard performance, was very lenient with Stoke’s apparent time-wasting though.
Atmosphere
It was a heated match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium with Stoke fans in good voice once they’d gone a goal up.
Verdict
In a game of fine margins, it was a frustrating encounter for QPR. On another occasion, Andre Dozzell hits the pass with more power and Charlie Austin tucks home the penalty.
