QPR player ratings: 'Embarrassing' 4/10 but 'mega performance' from 9 in Sheffield Wednesday defeat

A five match unbeaten Championship run for QPR was brought to a halt by an impressive Sheffield Wednesday side on Saturday as Danny Rohl’s men picked up a 2-0 win over Marti Cifuentes’ side.

The in-form hosts dominated possession early on, looking calm and patient in their build-up play against the Owls. Kieran Morgan fizzed through a ball in the direction of Michael Frey, who didn’t have the extra yard of pace needed to capitalise from a tap-in.

It was Sheffield Wednesday who created the first true moment of danger, Morgan losing the ball on the edge of the box and Josh Windass shooting goalwards. Paul Nardi got down well but saw the ball spill dangerously into the path of an onrushing Jamal Lowe, managing to flick away with a toe in the nick of time. The French shot-stopper was called into action again shortly before the break to pull off a show-stopping save, blocking a Michael Ihiekwe shot through a crowd of players.

Goalkeepers at centre of action as Sheffield Wednesday visit Loftus Road

Those chances buoyed the visitors with the R’s clinging on for the half-time whistle. After the break, it was the turn of James Beadle to work when Ronnie Edwards made good connection with an Ilias Chair corner but could only fire into the goalkeeper’s body.

The men between the sticks remained at the centre of attention. With 54 minutes on the clock, Nardi miskicked a clearance in bizarre fashion, right into the path of an Owls forward just feet away, who was caught too unaware to capitalise on the error.

At the other end, the ever-busy Smyth was bundled down on the edge of the box. Kenneth Paal shook the woodwork with the free-kick that followed.

As Cifuentes turned to Alfie Lloyd to break the deadlock, Rohl brought on Michael Smith. The 33-year-old had only been on the pitch for minutes before getting his head to a lobbed ball, which then skidded past Nardi and over the line in embarrassing fashion.

There was little sign of any QPR resurgence after that and the match was put to bed when Callum Patterson easily fired home on the break with minutes left to play. Here’s how the QPR players rated.

QPR player ratings

GK - Paul Nardi, 4

The save Nardi pulled off against Ihiekwe had Loftus Road roaring. On any other day, that would be the talking point but the French shot-stopper looked shaky today. He dangerously spilled an early Windass shot and was lucky a second half miskick wasn’t put straight back past him. It’s hard to tell what went through his mind for the opening Owls goal as Smith only got the faintest of touches, but that was embarrassing.

LB - Kenneth Paal, 6

Hit the post from a free kick in the second half in his biggest moment. His delivery from corners was inconsistent and legs were completely gone late on when done by Callum Paterson for the second. Drew a save from Beadle in injury time and looked like the only R’s player close to scoring today.

CB - Morgan Fox, 7

Largely commanding and a physical threat in the opposition box. Looked idle for the Sheffield Wednesday goal as it trickled over the line - you’ve got to follow those all the way.

CB - Ronnie Edwards, 6

Can be a little Mad Max at the back with some risky balls but clearly a very good piece of January business for QPR.

RB - Jimmy Dunne, 8

Had his work cut out against the quick Djeidi Gassama but did well against the winger. Measured in his defensive work, his name is often sung around Loftus Road. Some nice link-up play with Smyth too.

CM - Jonathan Varane, 6

Quiet in the first half but found a little more influence after the break. A couple careless passes and not at his recent levels.

CM - Kieran Morgan, 7

There’s a real excitement when the youngster gets the ball at his feet. Worked really well with Paul Smyth in the first half, trusting the winger to run onto through balls.

CM - Sam Field, 6

The midfielder’s physicality was his biggest strength today. It felt like the type of game Field could seize and turn around after conceding, but the midfielder struggled to find the impetus.

LW - Ilias Chair, 7

Busy as usual as he celebrated a new deal with the club today. Perhaps could have been quicker releasing the ball at times.

ST - Michael Frey, 5

Caused some nuisance up front but not enough to really make the Sheffield Wednesday defence sweat. His substitution for the younger and more energetic Alfie Lloyd was an obvious one for Cifuentes.

RW - Paul Smyth, 9

That was a mega performance from Smyth. Looked confident and with the bit between his teeth early on and was relentless for 75 minutes, a nutmeg on Max Lowe a particular highlight. The winger deserved a goal or, at least, to have his energy matched by colleagues. Did eventually look leggy, but that is no surprise.

SUB - Jack Colback, 7

Added some hustle and bustle in midfield but needed to be shown more help from his teammates.

SUB - Koko Saito, 8

Had to work hard to find a couple half chances but did fire a couple of decent shots off, just narrowly missing the target.

SUB - Alfie Lloyd, 5

Not given much chance to find a goal with a lack of creativity for QPR. Would have been nice to see him thrown on earlier.

SUB - Rayan Kolli, 7

Did provide immediate zip but not able to turn the tide.