1 min
Fulham’s Premier League charge continued unabated to the detriment of QPR’s own promotion hopes after a 2-0 win at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.
A frantic start saw opportunities at both ends, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic volleying wide before QPR’s George Thomas saw his effort ripple the side netting.
Joe Bryan then tested Hoops keeper Keiren Westwood before Mitrovic tapped home Fabio Carvalho’s cross in the 14th minute after excellent Fulham build-up play.
And the Cottagers could have made it two shortly afterwards as Carvalho’s deflected effort hit the woodwork before being cleared.
QPR struggled to keep pace with Fulham’s intensity for much of the half – a trend that continued into the second period as Harry Wilson went close early on with a 30-yard piledriver.
Mitrovic also nearly had his and Fulham’s second just past the hour mark, flicking a corner towards goal which Westwood was equal to before Yoann Barbet cleared the forward’s follow-up off the line.
But the Fulham victory was assured in the 78th minute as Mitrovic converted from the spot after Wallace was deemed to have handled in the area.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s early opener put a marker down for Fulham which QPR struggled to provide any real answer to for the remainder of the game.
Moan of the Match
The flare thrown onto the pitch from the away end after both Fulham’s goals – unfortunately it’s becoming an increasingly annoying matchday trend across football.
Talking Point
Despite the calibre of opposition, it’s now just one win in six league games for QPR – how does Mark Warburton save the Hoops’ season?
Man of the Match
Aleksandar Mitrovic – the Serbian’s two-game goal drought ended in emphatic style, offering Fulham the clinical threat that QPR are severely lacking.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Gavin Ward (Surrey) – in a competitive but fair contest the official didn’t have much to do but was probably a bit overzealous in awarding Fulham’s penalty.
Atmosphere
A sold-out Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium guaranteed a raucous West London derby vibe – and with the sun shining too, it didn’t disappoint.
Verdict
Fulham proved why they are a cut above the rest of the Championship. As for QPR, their season is on the verge of petering out if they are not too careful.
