QPR player ratings: 10/10 'too hot to handle' as ex Spurs man 'stunning' 9 v Luton Town


QPR are now just two points off the top half of the Championship table following a 2-1 victory against Luton Town in what continues to be a sensational turnaround in form under Marti Cifuentes.
The R’s are brimming with confidence after a fantastic festive run of results and that was clear to see under the lights in West London as the match kicked off. Large spells of possession brought about a series of decent chances with Michael Frey eventually stabbing in after 24 minutes.
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Hide AdCifuentes’ side looked largely comfortable against the out-of-sorts Hatters found a way to go in level as defender Mark McGuinness powered his way through the QPR defence to head home a set play on the stroke of half time.
Rob Edwards’ side returned from the break buoyed by that chance but couldn’t make their moments of dominance count before an Ilias Chair shot from distance deflected in off Morgan Fox. Cifuentes then turned to the bench with the charismatic Alfie Lloyd leading a lively end to the match as the London outfit closed out their win. Here’s how the QPR players rated.
QPR player ratings
GK - Paul Nardi, 7
Could do little about the Luton Town goal, which was planted well in the bottom corner. Got down well to block a Carlton Morris shot in the second half.
LB - Kenneth Paal, 6


A solid performance tonight, just perhaps lacking some synergy with Chair on the flank at times.
CB - Morgan Fox, 7
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Hide AdScored the winner tonight but, if truth be told, can’t really take the credit for that - Chair’s shot deflecting in off his body. A little suspect defensively at one moment in the first half before a Luton Town goal line melee but oversaw defence well aside from that.
CB - Jimmy Dunne, 8
Had Loftus Road on its feet as a looped ball fell on his head in the first half, given his goalscoring exploits this season, but couldn’t finish that nor the sitter that followed. Managed a smirk after that chance, showing a man loving his football, in an otherwise confident performance.
RB - Harrison Ashby, 7
Caught out in the opening minutes by Zack Nelson and did look like he had a mistake in him. The moments when he races forward show his quality and a footballing mind capable of higher leagues. Still needing time to become that fully realised player.
CM - Kieran Morgan, 9
What a player the 18-year-old is becoming. He named Martin Odegaard as an inspiration this week and that’s plain to see with the intensity with which he moves the ball. Put a stunning cross in for Frey’s goal - the type the whole stadium thought was overhit before it dropped plum on the striker’s noggin. Did fade somewhat as the game went on but Tottenham Hotspur must regret letting him leave as a free agent last summer more and more every week.
CM - Jonathan Varane, 7
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Hide AdA hugely impressive first half. Put in a gut busting run to cover for an Ashby mistake early on and looked impassable at times. Is becoming the kind of player who is so likeable given how much he does to help teammates. That said, needed to be stronger to stop McGuinness for his goal and looked a little shaky after the break before his sub, seeing yellow for one reckless challenge.
CM - Sam Field, 9
Tenacious performance in the centre of the park, his best moment coming in a goal line clearance in the first half but a sliding tackle in the dying moments was also executed so perfectly.
LW - Ilias Chair, 8
Roamed the QPR attack with plenty of freedom and it was his shot that went in via a deflection. The winger could be accused of selfishness at times but, as that goal proves, you can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket.
ST - Michael Frey, 9


A robust centre forward’s performance. Frey looked a danger from the off with balls finding him in dangerous positions. Missed a decent chance with his head after seven minutes but made no mistake shortly afterwards when turning a squirming ball into the back of the net. QPR have long needed this sort of striker, more of this needed.
RW - Paul Smyth, 8
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Hide AdClear early doors that he could have some joy running at the Luton Town defence. His final action is sometimes lacking but carried plenty of threat while on the pitch before being subbed in the second half after a blow to the face.
SUB - Koki Saito, 7
A neat cameo. Worked hard defensively and was tricky on the ball when he could be.
SUB - Ronnie Edwards, 7
Making his debut for QPR on loan from Southampton. More to come from the defender but clearly up for the physical challenge of the league, clattering into a Luton Town man to give away a foul his first involvement.
SUB - Jack Colback, 7
Busy when he came on to help see out the match, covering plenty of ground.
SUB - Alfie Lloyd, 10
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Hide AdToo hot to handle in his short time on the pitch. Came on with such a buzz that sucked out any chance of Luton Town making a comeback. Unlucky not to see a cheeky chip drift in before hitting the post seconds later. Deserved a goal.
SUB - Jake Clarke-Salter, N/A
Only afforded a handful of minutes before the final whistle.
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