Antti Heinola on another high scoring game, and another victory, against Rotherham United at Loftus Road on Stan Bowles Day.
In the excellent Stan Souvenir Programme, which I'll still be reading some time after the international break, Ramsey said in his notes: 'We've got a style of play and we'll live and die by it.' That style of play looks to be something like - let's have a lot of fun up front, play a formation that for long periods borders on a hipsterishly retro 4-2-4 (The WM formation could only be weeks away), and if we concede stupid goals at the back, well, at least it makes things interesting. We won a lot in this league under Redknapp, but most of the time it was joyless, turgid stuff. This was great fun. I couldn't honestly give a crap if we never played Premier League football again (although I hope we do, naturally) - I just want to be entertained, see goals, see good football and watch a team that enjoys attacking. Today we almost chucked away some fine work - luckily, we didn't. But I wasn't bored. Far from it. Good.
Ramsey is clearly working hard to get him to play how he wants in this formation, and he does seem to get a little better each week. Today, as the three behind Austin constantly rotated to confuse Rotherham and find space, he occasionally seemed to drift out of the game a bit, but then he'd be there - working to retrieve the ball at the back, or playing a decent ball further up, or, on two occasions, making superb late runs to score a goal.
His first, as far as he was concerned, was the better. He started the whole move deep in our half, got the ball to Perch and then sprinted into the area to support Austin. As soon as Charlie laid it off (perfectly) I was already celebrating - I'd seen enough of him on YouTube to know he wasn't going to miss from there on his left foot. Superb goal. The second was great too, with Mass's determined run, showing great strength to delay until Chery arrived to slam it home - another fine late run into the box. A truly exciting player - like Luongo, and possibly Polti, it's really pleasing that we've not only dug out these possible gems, but that Les could persuade them to join our club at the start of a big transition. Could be a lot more to come from Chery this season.
But after his super run and perfect cross for the opener, he definitely seemed to gain in confidence. There was a bit more bite in his tackling. He had another good spell well inside their half and then after the break he did an improved job in stopping Rotherham crosses - something he hasn't done well here since day one. I hope that all this is about settling down the back four (equally, Konchesky was much better today, especially second half) and eventually we might stop conceding two goals in every game. My judgement is reserved. I understand why we signed someone of his age and experience and flexibility, but at the moment he doesn't look happy. Improved today, though, even if against admittedly the weakest opposition we've faced.
However, I have to echo a few thoughts that I've seen on here after the Wolves game - never a pacy player, he is painfully slow now. Players are able to drift off him or by him when there's open space in front with apparent ease. I hate to say this, as Ale is one of my all-time favourite players, definitely in my 'favourite' QPR XI, but I can't see him ever playing Premier League football again. It just looks like he doesn't have the legs for it. Having said that, this is only his second game back. Things could change dramatically if he avoids injury and continues to get fitter and stronger. Against good sides, him and Henry at the base of that midfield is just not mobile enough. It may well be that Doughty comes in for Henry at some stage, giving a bit of pace and some pressing power, and that may work out for the best. Or, you know, Sandro. Ha ha. Or possibly Luongo.
The positives far outweigh the negatives for Ale today. His stumble did set in motion the attack that brought their first goal (not helped by a stupid over-committed challenge by one of our defenders - not sure who), and when he slipped a few moments later, the signs of tiredness were clear. After he misplaced his first two passes of the game, he was very good afterwards, but he should have been off after 65 minutes. That sub came too late and perhaps cost us their first goal. He'd done almost 90 minutes in the week. The game was safe. He should have been off earlier. Mistake by Ramsey there - he may have been trying to get miles into his legs, but 65 minutes was enough, especially at 3-0.
What are we trying to do, guilt them into staying? What are we offering in return? Jewellery? Naughty underwear? People booed Austin on day one and have constantly accused Phillips of 'not caring' since then. Even on here today I read that Austin 'seemed distant', as if he should be taking time out of the game to blow us kisses. Rotherham must be delighted he seemed distant, otherwise he might have scored five.
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