QPR player ratings: 'Astounding' 9s but 'shoddy' 4 as Leeds United frustrated

QPR battled hard to end a four game run of defeats with an impressive point against league leaders Leeds United, but there’s a sense that Marti Cifuentes’ side could have had more.

It looked to be a gulf in class in the early minutes as the Whites dominated and carved open chances, particularly successful down the right flank against QPR. However, Cifuentes’ side weathered the early storm and began to get a foot in the game, Lucas Andersen and Jimmy Dunne influential in calming down proceedings.

While R’s chances were non-existent, the pacey Paul Smyth and Koki Saito looked capable of posing a threat on the break. Indeed, it was the latter who found the breakthrough, lashing home a loose ball in the box with a ferocity his slender frame may hide.

Andersen has had his critics this season but there was a crafty manner about his first half work. His determination to control the pace of R’s play paid dividends after 30 minutes as he slotted Smyth through after a throw-in, the winger putting a plum cross onto the unmarked head of Steve Cook to nod in for an unexpected 2-0 lead.

Leeds United fight way back through controversial own goal

For all their hard work, Cifuentes will have been tearing his hair out at QPR just before half time. The hosts stood off a promising Leeds United move and got their punishment when Junior Firpo prodded home a moment later - that goal shrouded in offside controversy, questions over whether an offside Jayden Bogle was interfering with play being bellowed by R’s men to the referee. It was later credited as a Morgan Fox own goal.

Read more: Why Leeds United first goal against QPR was given at Loftus Road

Bogle became the pantomime villain of the day shortly after the break. Dan James found space on the right and slipped past Kenneth Paal, his cross first attacked by Manor Solomon, and saved by Paul Nardi. However, the sprawling shot-stopper couldn’t bounce back up quick enough to get onto the Bogle follow up.

A determined QPR were always in the game. Leeds United dominated as they looked for a winner but there remained a sense that the London outfit could pinch three points too. A point shared, ultimately a fair result. Here’s how the QPR players rated.

QPR player ratings

GK - Paul Nardi, 7

Got down well to save the first shot before Bogle prodded in the rebound for the leveller, needing some more help from his defence.

LB - Kenneth Paal, 4

Never looked to have Dan James under control in an often shoddy performance at full back. The Welshman got past Paal to detrimental effect when teeing up the Whites’ leveller. Eventually shown a yellow card for wiping the winger out, which was at least effective. Did make a brilliant sliding clearance when at 2-2.

CB - Steve Cook, 9

That’s more like the Steve Cook that QPR fans know and love. Was sharp from the off, getting his head on an early cross and, while helped by a lack of Leeds United marking, worked his space well to take the header that led to the second goal.

CB - Morgan Fox, 7

Can only have got the feintest of touches on that Leeds United opener, and it looked to be going in anyway. His best work came in the first half but a decent showing despite conceding two, staying lively late on to keep pressure on Wilfried Gnonto and stop him finding a winner.

RB - Jimmy Dunne, 7

Busy today, but largely robust. Looked a little more suspect at times as the game went on and space opened up. Couldn’t quite get his feet sorted to make the most of a bouncing ball in front of the Leeds United goal late on. A Dunne winner would have sent Loftus Road balmy.

CM - Jack Colback, 9

When he has performances like this in him, it’s clear to see why Marti Cifuentes persists. His defensive work was astounding today, making a lot of difficult challenges and getting them right to the frustration of travelling fans.

CM - Lucas Andersen, 7

Some really clever, wily work today in the first half. His experience was key in taking the time to put through Smyth for the cross that led to the Cook goal. Did fade in the second half and, boy when Andersen fades, can he look like a passenger. His sub with 10 minutes to play was well overdue by that stage.

CM - Ronnie Edwards, 8

Can be a little heart-in-mouth when being his gung-ho self but has more liberty to do that in midfield. His eagerness to get a foot in helped set up the Saito goal.

LW - Koki Saito, 8

No more popular goalscorer for QPR. That finish was lethal and his showing today was full of character. Just needs to find a way of carrying a constant threat rather than moments of brilliance. Such a shame he saw red late on, that was very harsh.

ST - Michael Frey, 7

Some nice hold up work but clumsy at other moments. QPR need more from their striker at times.

RW - Paul Smyth, 8

Such a reliable part of this QPR side. His pace was always a threat - Pascal Struijk resulting to body slamming the winger on one break in the second half - and his cross onto Cook’s head was a peach.

SUBS - Kader Dembele (6), Liam Morrison (8), Nicolas Masden (5)