Queens Park Rangers 1 - West Bromwich Albion 3

Date:	Saturday 10th August 2024
Competition:	Sky Bet Championship
QPR: 5.2
WBA: 7.8	(4-2-3-1) Palmer 6.6, Furlong 6.9, Ajayi 6.8, Bartley 6.8, Heggem 7.9 (Frabotta, 85 5.8), Molumby 6.4 (Diakité, 76 6.1), Mowatt 6.9, Fellows 7.5 (Dobbin, 81 6.1), Swift 7.4, Grant 7.2, Maja 8.5 (Cole, 76 6.0) Unused subs: Wildsmith, Taylor, Heard, Faal, Hall Manager: Carlos Corberán 7.9
Scorers:	Maja (26, 51, 65)
Referee:	David Webb 7.3

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Ratings submitted so far: 17

Brendan Clegg:

Welcome back everyone and what a result to kick us off.

I was worried going into it given how strong QPR finished the season and the rebuild job we're having to undertake. I very much view every result until the end of the transfer window as a bonus.

And when the 11 was announced my concern was with Grant, Swift and Maja all in the same 11, would we do enough running?

From the start of the game I thought we were pretty good. Swift coming way deeper than normal, Mowatt linking the play, Molumby scampering after every first and second ball. We looked okay just a little rusty and there were a few occasions where we got into good positions but the decision or final ball was just a bit off - the stand out example was Molumby getting in wide right but then instead of crossing it trying to be Rivaldo and losing the ball.

Out of nothing we conceded a sloppy goal - a nothing throw, no block on the cross and then I think Mowatt and and Grant switched off to not track a runner and I have to say I thought Bartley should have done a lot better too, with their player striding in to head home unmarked in a goal very similar to Luke Ayling's against us last season for Leeds.

But we upped it a little bit, continued to move the ball quite nicely and when Heggem was sent down the left like a marauding giraffe (?) he put in a ball you would expect an elite footballer to put in but that rarely happens and Maja nodded home - I think QPR would be as frustrated as us about their defending but it was deserved.

For most of the half then we were pretty good and we put pressure on, and after a bit of a slow and sloppy start I thought Fellows got into it a bit more. I thought at the end of the half the ref blew when we were in a really good situation which was a bit frustrating.

Second half began slightly more evenly before we got the ball out wide to Fellows and he went outside his man before standing up a cross which Maja brilliantly headed home through sheer desire.

QPR then had another spell where they pegged us back and had what felt like 4 or 5 corners in succession but we stood strong, and then Fellows got wide again and his cut back cross hit the chest of Sam Field and deflected the ball to Maja who acrobatically volley home.

For the rest of the game I thought we controlled it quite ell and could have scored more, but QPR certainly had a handful of chances in and around the box. I think in all honestly they probably should have scored one of them especially after they made a few changes and went more direct.

Corberan got some subs on too and freshened up and despite the 6 minutes extra time we held on.

We'll absolutely take that and hats off to the starting 11. Every player gave their all, and we saw the fight in every 50/50. It was enough to earn a great result that I doubt many saw coming even if I think 3-1 flattered us a little bit.

Palmer - 6 Generally okay but flapped at a few.. made the saves that mattered.
Furlong - 7 On the ball wasn't always great but stayed so switched on at the back post and defended well.
Semi - 7 Strong and quick, hit a few good passes too.
Bartley - 6 Was the one I thought was a bit casual and, for me, should be dominating the box for their first and not getting caught under it.
Heggem - 8 Looked very strong, worked really hard, used the ball well. Their winger hated him!
Mowatt - 7 Picked up where he left off, dropping in and pulling strings.
Molumby - 7 It wasn't always pretty or clever but he charged about and won the battle in there, and he drive forward when he could.
Fellows - 7 Started slow and I think with a decent touch could have been in on goal but when he settled he got 2 assists and was a threat.
Swift - 7 That's the benchmark for him. Got through a lot of running, didn't shirk one 50/50 including aerial challenges and I thought he used the ball really well and always looked for it. Best he's played in a while.
Grant - 7 He absolutely ran himself into the ground both ways, didn't try to complicate things, crossed it when he could and looked quick, strong and fit. All we ask is this effort and commitment each game. Top stuff.
Maja - 8 Didn't do huge amounts but he took each goal really well and it was nice to see us looking to cross the ball instead of coming back.

Cole - Didn't do much but does look quick
Diakite - Used it sensibly
Dobbin - Helped us see it out
Frabotta - it was a short cameo but I think the pace of it was a shock to him

Absolutely over the moon with that. Let's hope we can get another couple of signings in this week. Up the Albion!