Marti Cifuentes will have to bounce back from two defeats in a row as Sheffield United claimed a 2-1 triumph in West London.
Sign up to our LondonWorld Today newsletter
Sign up
Thank you for signing up!
Did you know with an ad-lite subscription to LondonWorld, you get 70% fewer ads while viewing the news that matters to you.
Submitting...
QPR suffered a second defeat on the bounce in the Championship with promotion-chasing Sheffield United picking up three points for the fourth fixture in a row at Loftus Road.
Handed his second start since arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, teenage winger Yang Min-hyeok had a few minutes of promise early on but his inexperience in the Championship was put under the spotlight when easily dispossessed in his own half. The cross that followed fell onto the head of Ben Brereton Diaz and into the back of the QPR goal.
A side with ever-growing character, the hosts weren’t to be deterred, although not helped by some crazy passes from the back by Jonathan Varane and Ronnie Edwards. Michael Frey had the ball in the back of the net shortly before half time but celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag.
QPR would have been level going in at half time should former Spurs youngster Kieran Morgan have slotted into the path of current Spurs teen Yang, but failed to do so, taking a shot into the body of Michael Cooper - an echo of groans ringing out from around Loftus Road.
Despite all the R’s promise, it was the Blades who struck again. A moment of defensive frailty allowed Tyrese Campbell to lash home a shot from distance - a ferocious finish that gave Paul Nardi little chance.
Cifuentes soon turned to his bench with Paul Smyth coming on for Yang and earning a penalty thanks to his direct play, a cross hitting the hand of Harrison Burrows. Michael Frey made no mistake from the spot but QPR couldn’t find a second late on. Here’s how the QPR players rated.
QPR player ratings
GK - Paul Nardi, 6
A little big wobbly with the ball at feet at times but not at fault for the goals today. Would’ve been some save to stop the rocket of the second.
LB - Kenneth Paal, 5
Some decent deliveries from set plays but guilty of a lack of communication for the Blades’ opened. Subbed with just over 20 minutes left to play.
CB - Ronnie Edwards, 5
Adds so much to this side, carrying the ball forwards confidently. That can lead to questionable moments of positioning and over-eagerness, as ahead of the Sheffield United second.
CB - Steve Cook, 6
Still getting back up to pace post injury but pretty solid today.
RB - Jimmy Dunne, 6
A quieter day by his standards, seeing yellow for a misjudged challenge early in the second half.
CDM - Jack Colback, 4
Looked to be absolutely blowing in the second half and saw yellow for dangling a lazy foot in for a tackle as the Blades broke.
CDM - Jonathan Varane, 7
Couple half chances from distance early doors, Varane can hold his head high with a robust showing today.
Ex Tottenham Hotspur youngster has off day
LW - Ilias Chair, 7
Was pulling the strings to try and help QPR back into the game following the opener. Remains hugely influential for this side.
CAM - Kieran Morgan, 3
Not at his best today. Rarely looks like an 18-year-old playing in the Championship but did against Sheffield United. Often in the right place thanks to his enthusiasm but lacking his usual quality with the ball at his feet. Needed to square to Yang in the chance before the break to bring QPR level in a frustrating moment.
RW - Yang Min-hyeok, 8
The potential here is crazy. Bullied off the ball for the Sheffield United opener, but that goal was not solely his fault with unconvincing defending. Looked a threat every time the ball landed at his feet. Would have had his first QPR goal if found by Morgan.
ST - Michael Frey, 7
Always provides a physicality up front and gets his body to balls, even if the delivery isn’t primed for a decisive finish. Had the ball in the back of the net but was ruled off for offside. Took his penalty with aplomb.
SUB - Koki Saito, 8
Such a zippy little player, making an immediate impact to win a dangerous free kick. Pushed to full-back later on.
SUB - Alfie Lloyd, 7
Offers pace and physicality from the bench. A full-blooded cameo but couldn’t help find a leveller.
SUB - Paul Smyth, 8
His urgency lifted QPR when he came on, a cross hitting the hand of Burrows and earning the penalty.
SUB - Kader Dembele, 5
Struggled to carve space to make an impact. Felt he should have had a free kick on the edge of the box late on but ignored by the referee.
SUB - Morgan Fox,7
Only a short time on the pitch but gave away a silly free kick to end a QPR attacking move. Made up for that with a phenomenal tackle to pinch the ball away from the last man and keep the R’s in it as injury time ticked on.