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Austin keeps ragged Rangers on course - report
Sunday, 15th Sep 2013 22:51 by Clive Whittingham

QPR’s unbeaten start to the league season continued on Saturday with a 1-0 win against Birmingham that came despite the R’s turning in their worst performance in the Championship so far.

Queens Park Rangers appear to be engaged in an elaborate game of chicken — testing just how poorly they can play while still winning Championship football matches.

The R’s won four and drew one of their first five league games in August, rarely elevating their performances above workmanlike. Blackpool’s Matt Phillips, Tottenham duo Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Tom Carroll, and Dynamo Kiev’s Niko Kranjcar were added at the end of the transfer window to add guile, speed and creativity to the graft and grind.
While admittedly only two of the new comers were involved on Saturday against Birmingham — Carroll from the start, Phillips as a first half substitute when Junior Hoilett’s porcelain hamstring cracked again — Rangers appear to be getting worse rather than better. And yet the victories keep coming. This was a club record fourth consecutive 1-0 win, and the R’s now haven’t conceded a goal in four and a half matches.

On Saturday they faced Birmingham City, a good bet for relegation from the Championship this season amidst continued financial uncertainty thanks to criminal charges being pursued against owner Carson Yeung. So many quality and experienced players have left St Andrews of late that manager Lee Clark is effectively working with his hands tied behind his back but the former Newcastle and Fulham midfielder had a plan for this game far more creative and effective than anything QPR offered. A 3-4-3 formation with overlapping wing backs, and the experienced pairing of Wade Elliott and Chris Burke operating in the right channel, was enough to dominate large swathes of the game and ultimately Birmingham, roared on by a boisterous travelling support, will wonder how on earth they left W12 with no points.

When referee Mike Jones harshly adjudged Tom Carroll to have fouled Andrew Shinnie at the midway point of the first half Shinnie planted the resulting free kick on Lee Novak’s head and the centre forward guided the ball flush against the post. Earlier another free kick had been laid square across the face of the area for Elliott to blast over and when they did put the ball in the net, immediately after half time, Spector’s goal — a combination of neat build up play, slack defending, and rank goalkeeping - was ruled out for offside. Soon after Rangers allowed Burke to skip into the penalty area unchecked and deliver a dangerous low cross shot that Richard Dunne had to fend away at the near post.

Dunne, ably partnered by Onuoha, stood as a tower of strength at the heart of the QPR defence. Old, with a catalogue of recent injury problems on his record, and built more like a pub landlord than a central defender, Dunne was nevertheless QPR’s outstanding player on Saturday. He had to be - Rangers were heavily reliant on their two centre backs to keep them in the game and it’s the back four that looks the only part of the team to be fully formed and functioning at the moment. The R’s still haven’t conceded a goal with Dunne on the pitch this season.

Novak headed over via a deflection seven minutes after half time and then Kyle Bartley also missed the target with a header from the resulting corner. With 12 minutes left for play Jonathan Spector looked all set to score before crashing to earth in the penalty box. Jones showed a yellow card to the Birmingham man for a dive and the referee was absolutely correct. The logic, often proffered by co-commentators in such situations, wonders why a player would go down deliberately when he might score a goal himself if he stayed up. Your guess is as good as mine, but dive he did and the chance was gone.

The City fans behind the goal hurled a flare onto the pitch as an expression of their irritation. It remains a mystery why I can’t get into Loftus Road with a bottle of Diet Coke with the lid on, but pond life from all four corners of the UK is coming to W12 week after week and being allowed to put on pyrotechnic displays completely unchecked by the wonderful Loftus Road stewards. A two minute wait while a thick pair of gardening gloves and a bucket of sand were located was farcical.

City are a very limited team — their ability to work an overlap and then not pass the ball to the player in space in a wide area knew no bounds — but QPR looked terribly disjointed as well. Carroll, barely a day over 11 years old, was asked to play in the centre of a 4-4-2 set up in the first half with predictable consequences. He struggled in that role during a loan spell at Derby earlier in his career and did so again for the first 45 minutes here. Rangers want to play out from the back through him and Barton, which is admirable, but 4-4-2 is a straight line formation from a bygone era and even a team as limited as Birmingham were able to pick it apart with ease. Time and again Barton and Carroll looked up for options and saw nothing but fluorescent away tops. The more it happened, the deeper they got with their possession and the longer the passes got. Playing direct to Austin and Zamora against the giant pairing of Burn and Bartley was always likely to be a hiding to nothing.

Barton struggled just as much as Carroll in the first period. The former Marseille man could have cost QPR the first goal, and been sent off, before half time. First he was caught in possession in his own half and Novak teed up Shinnie for what should, at the very least, have been a shot on target but ultimately ended up at the back of the Lower Loft. Then later he produced an ankle tap trip any rugby league player would be proud of on Tom Adeymi after losing both the initial challenge and then his footing. It was extraordinary that Jones didn’t deem that worthy of a yellow card, and just as well really because four minutes later Barton chopped down Caddis and was booked. Birmingham have good reason to wonder why that second foul didn’t bring a trip to the early bath water for the QPR midfielder.

The home side wasn’t helped by the latest in an ongoing series of hamstring injuries to Junior Hoilett. He’d started the game brightly — volleying over after Charlie Austin set him up with a chest down inside the first minute, then seeing a shot deflected away after he’d seized on a loose Elliott pass and run half the length of the field with the time still in single figures — but spent the next half an hour mostly sitting down and stretching his aching limbs.

Manager Harry Redknapp eventually withdrew his Canadian winger eight minutes before half time, probably a good deal earlier than he’d liked to have introduced winger Matt Phillips for his debut. The former Blackpool man hadn’t played any competitive football since May prior to this outing, and although it was only an elbow injury that kept him out for that period of time he looked a long way off the pace. Simple pieces of control and passes went astray and he was visibly frustrated with his debut to forget by the end of proceedings.

A total rethink was required at half time and to Redknapp’s credit that’s exactly what happened. Bobby Zamora, typically ineffective albeit while receiving limited service against two powerful centre backs, was sensibly withdrawn and a lone striker system adopted instead. Shaun Wright-Phillips came into the side down one flank, with Phillips supporting Austin and the hard-working Gary O’Neil adding further impetus. It’s this system, with three advanced midfielders and two deep lying ones, that suits the personnel QPR have at their disposal best and although Barton and Carroll were too deep in it — the R’s missed the benched Karl Henry on Saturday — it was still a good deal better than anything that had gone on in the first half.

Having made the change QPR took the lead three minutes after the break. Wright-Phillips checked back on the byline and was fouled by Elliott. The free kick was taken deep to the far post by Barton, hooked back into the danger area by Nedum Onuoha, smacked accidentally against the underside of his own bar by Adeyemi, and finally knocked over the line at point blank range by Austin for his first league goal of the season.

One could easily have been two moments later when Dunne missed Barton’s low corner at the near post and Austin stabbed wide of the target having seen the ball coming very late. Later Austin, whose work rate makes him an ideal solo front man in these situations, cut a ball back for Carroll to lift over the bar.

Any thought or hope that breaking the deadlock might lead to a goal-glut proved misguided though. Birmingham were never quite as effective once they’d taken Shinnie off and sent Shane Ferguson on, necessitating a switch away from the 3-4-3 that had worked so well to a less threatening 4-3-3 set up, but they’d have been good value for a point had they won one. A solid centre back pairing was really all Rangers brought to this game of any note.

And yet it could easily have finished 2-0 to the hosts. Three minutes from time Joey Barton flicked the ball up on the edge of the box and executed a gratuitous bicycle kick that keeper Darren Randolph saved well. Barton had Phillips in acres of space to his left, dying to be played in on goal, but he chose the showboat option to the delight of his fan club and ego.

Nothing wrong with his injury time free kick though. Burn was booked for hauling down Austin and Barton stepped up to crack a fabulous strike over the wall and off the top of the Birmingham post.

The visitors’ frustration with life started to manifest itself in yellow cards late in the game. Burn and Spector were joined in the book by Robinson and Shinnie for fouls.

QPR won only 14 matches during two years in the Premier League, and only four in the whole of the 2012/13 season. The ship needed steadying, the team needed solidifying, and the habit and artform of winning games needed revising. Style, panache, flair, attractive play and aesthetics can all follow later, and it’s a good sign that QPR are able to carve out victories from such basic performances in the meantime — but they will have to follow at some point soon, because wins will not continue to flow from performances like this.

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QPR: Green 6; Simpson 6, Onuoha 7, Dunne 7, Hill 6; O’Neil 7, Barton 6, Carroll 6 (Jenas 82, -), Hoilett 5 (Phillips 39, 5); Zamora 5 (Wright-Phillips 46, 6), Austin 6

Subs: Murphy, Assou-Ekotto, Faurlin, Henry

Goals: Austin 49 (assisted Onuoha)

Bookings: Barton 43 (repetitive fouling)

Birmingham: Randolph 6; Burn 6, Bartley 6, Robinson 6; Elliott 7, Spector 6, Caddis 6, Adeyemi 6 (Lovenkrands 82, -); Burke 7, Novak 6, Shinnie 6 (Ferguson 55, 6)

Subs: Doyle, Ambrose, Reilly, Lee, Brown

Bookings: Shinnie 49 (foul), Spector 78 (diving), Robinson 86 (foul), Burn 90+1 (foul)

QPR Star Man — Richard Dunne 7 A very fine centre half display from the veteran, with honourable mentions to Onuoha and O’Neil as well. QPR are relying on their centre backs more and more with each passing game at the moment and can’t continue to do so, however imperious Dunne looks at the moment.

Referee — Mike Jones (Cheshire) 7 The big decision of the game — the Spector dive — was correct but Birmingham have good cause to ask why Joey Barton was shown leniency before half time and four of their players were then booked in the second half.

Attendance — 16,952 (1,723 Birmingham) An atmosphere to match the game really — a bit quiet and sedate, with very occasional flash points when the travelling Birmingham faithful decided to throw fireworks and loose seats around the place.

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connell10 added 23:16 - Sep 15
Good report clive, id have giving o,neil the mom as i thought the guy put in a hard working stint! We aint playing well but we are wining , which for me says once we kick in we will have a very good team!
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Phildo added 07:46 - Sep 16
I thought Carroll looked frightened when the ball came to him in the first half. Birmingham had acres of space in midfield in the first half and it was a reminder of how important that area of the pitch is. O Neill had to tuck in meaning no outlet on one side. When we went 5 in midfield we were very reluctant to use the width of the pitch though and perhaps they could have a look at that in training today.
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QPRski added 07:52 - Sep 16
Such an objective analysis and report is really appreciated when you cannot see the match either live or on a web feed. Many thanks.

I did not realise our performance was the worst of the season so far. The good news is that we are steady at the back despite riding our luck. It is a great ability and habit to win when playing badly, but I hope that we play 4-2-3-1 in the next matches, and are able to enagage some creative flair. We only have to wait until Wednesday to see what lessons learned have been applied.
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francisbowles added 09:51 - Sep 16
Seeing the Barton incident from the SA road side, the same side as the referee, he tripped and caught the player with his hand. It was difficult to tell whether he was being clever (probably) or it was deliberate. He was fortunate that he was given the benefit of the doubt.

It was demonstrated that Barton and Caroll won't work in the middle. Barton comes under too much pressure, his short passing becomes unreliable and he is one tackle away from a card.
He is ok alongside Henry and better wide. I thought he did well in the second half in the deep midfield position in what looked to me like a 4-1-4-1.

We obviously need a much more controlled performance on Wednesday. We are struggling for fit midfield players at present and selection on the left will be key as we need someone to offer
cover for Hill and get forward with quality balls into Austin. I believe Traore would be ok (if fit).

The one bit of luck we haven't had in the league is an early goal. That might settle us down and improve the performance a bit.
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isawqpratwcity added 10:36 - Sep 16
Thanks for the report, Clive.

I got so aggravated after the match. After two years of basically losing even on the rare occasions we played well, it is a change to be doing well in spite of playing badly.But we've got to start playing well and earning our wins, otherwise a sense of complacency will set in.

It's like watching idiots at work clowning around with heavy machinery. A fair chance its going to stop being fun.
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QPRFish added 11:04 - Sep 16
No doubt had it been Adel Taarabt who tried that gratuitous bicycle kick on Saturday, the waankfest that would've ensued would have turned Loftus Road into something resembling a sperm bank rather than a football stadium.
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dixiedean added 11:41 - Sep 16
sooner or later we'll gift the oppo a goal which will prove costly, so we need to eradicate the sloppiness we are prone to, eg Barton fart-arseing around twice in our third of the field early on and losing possession in crucial areas. That's where you see the lack of quality in this division ( thankfully). How the Loathsome Scouser wasn't booked for that foul ( or even spoken to) was incredible, as it was deliberate and cynical. Just as well, as for the 3rd time in 6 games ( S Weds, Leeds and here) he could have easily got a 2nd yellow and left us in the doo-doo. The hero-worship of that man is thoroughly nauseating. That other thug Robinson should have got a yellow if not red for clattering through SWP from behind 2-footed, but again not a word from the ref, never mind a card. I'd prefer lenient refs to Stiles/Attwell & Co, but those were yellow cards as clear as you'll see. Maybe no surprise that our most solid area of the time (Back 4) is very settled. whereas the other end of the pitch contains too many people vying for the Matt Rose Award for glass bodies eg Hoilett , AJ. Was Traore inj also ? ( not long odds, I suspect) but I also like him as a left midfield, but with Benny A-K coming in when fit, we won't need cover on left. Much as I love Clint, he is vulnerable against good wide players, and Burke gave him a tough time. Apart from that route, their only danger was from self-inflicted nonsense from us. And please, can we give Carroll a break ??? After 10 mins people were moaning about him which is ridiculous , esp for a young kid. HR doesn't help by spouting off ( as he loves to do) about how we'll play through him, which just increases the pressure on him. Keep quiet and let him play his football - all this " future England player " crap serves no useful purpose at all. But Arry has to keep The Sun happy with plenty of quotes I suppose. I wonder what he thinks of the Syria situation - He's bound to have an opinion on it ! Let's hope we're sharp from the off v BHA and get an early lead as francisbowles said.
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dermyqpr added 12:48 - Sep 16
Thanks Clive for a good and honest report ( plus it was good to meet you in the C & S )

Really worried about our performances of late. Solid at the back yeah, game-plan and our format requiring a lot of attention. Happy for Charlie to get the 1st league goal, he works all the time and as you said would be well capable of a lone striker roll. Zamora truely awful. Is this injury / impending surgery a myth?? Harry needs to sort it. Hoilett too is a worry ,looks like we will be having more physio`s table time than playing time this season. Joey got lucky but if you weigh it up against the refs who cant wait to book him then his time on the pitch IMO remains invaluable to us. Some of his passing was awful but he cotinued to be a presence for us. Cut out the Hollywood ball Joey ffs!!
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benbu added 13:04 - Sep 16
as soon as QPR went 1-0 up, I never had any doubt we wouldn't win this game. Wasn't the best performance but we still looked very solid. Birmingham were very positive first half and had 1 great chance and hit the post. After this we never looked like conceding and they offered nothing 2nd half. When we get going and fire up we will be great to watch, but in the meantime a win is a win, happy with another 3 points. Birmingham along with every other club I've watched live or on TV in championship look nothing special at all.
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qprninja added 13:47 - Sep 16
dixiedean, Traore wasn't playing because he's been dropped since the Sheff Weds match as he single handedly could have cost us the game. (he's also probably injured).
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Noelmc added 14:01 - Sep 16
Agree Clive with Dunne as MOTM. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time - Ryan Nelsen with added physicality. I'm also impressed with his compusure on the ball, which is better than I expected and he always seems to remain calm. Marking one of their giants on set pieces didn't phase him at all and he just used his experience and strength to keep them away from the crosses. Significant improvement in the second half when we had a five-man midfield and it's definitely the way forward, although I personally would love Faurlin to be part of it. Overall a great afternoon/evening, despite the poor performance, topped off with some rousing choruses of "Singing the Blues" in the Crown & Sceptre afterwards while watching the Chelsea-Everton game.
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TacticalR added 14:21 - Sep 16
I am a bit puzzled by what I am seeing. There's little that separates us from the teams that we have beaten, yet we keep winning. Perhaps we'll come unstuck against one of the better teams (although Birmingham were a lot better than I was expecting, and as you pointed out, Burke gave us a hard time).

I was never a subscriber to the theory that some of our players were playing above their level in the Premiership (I just thought they'd had it), but it does appear to be true. But players like Barton and SWP seem to have found their level and are playing quite well.

Tom Carroll did OK I thought. He had to contend with a big lump twice his size in midfield, and came away with the ball a few times because of the timing of his tackles.

Did anyone notice that a number of players like Hill, Simpson and O'Neill seem to be quite flexible in their positioning? Even Onuaha went on a run from the back. Perhaps it's McClaren's influence?
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DesertBoot added 14:40 - Sep 16
A very flat game played in front of a home crowd expecting a (perhaps comfortable) fifth win of the season. I think we missed Henry in the midfield and he was very unlucky to be dropped but we had to accommodate Carroll who we knew by Thursday would start.
4-5-1 surely the way forward now given the workrate and threat Austin brings.
Not sure a third golden opportunity that have been spooned over by Wednesday and Birmingham will be missed next time. But winning is a great habit and surely we won't be as flat again.
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dixiedean added 17:57 - Sep 16
yes, Ninja , good point ! At the open day he was doing a one man fitness regime- not sure if that was because he's unfit or on the naughty step- maybe a bit of both . HR nailed his colours to the mast early on re the " airy fairy " types such as Traore , Adel etc Pity Traore can't learn to defend as he's the best crosser at the club by miles.
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extratimeR added 19:06 - Sep 16
Thanks Clive!
O'Neill's work rate amazing, (and Austin's,) we wont get away with another First half performance like this against Brighton .

Rethink in centre mid-field I think.
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