QPR player ratings: 'scrappy' 7/10 and 'much to learn' 5/10 as QPR crash out of EFL Cup

A match not without its drama but QPR are now out of the Carabao Cup following a 2-1 defeat at Loftus Road to Crystal Palace.

Not only would this match mark the first time that the two sides had faced each other since 2015 but it was also the grand return of former QPR star Eberechi Eze to Loftus Road with the home crowd eager to welcome their beloved ex-Hoops winger back.

However, they would not share this sentiment for long with the England international quick to pounce on the weak midfield and defensive lines from his oppositions.

The first half was separated by Eddie Nketiah scoring his first goal for the Eagles, following a beautiful assist into the box by none other than returning hero Eze - who had already had one attempt at goal fly over the box.  

It was an unfortunate heart-break for the Rs who had been contending well with a fiery Palace front line: Steve Cook and Sam Fields doing well to keep the likes of Mateta and Eze at bay but ultimately Oliver Glasner’s side prevailed.

Palace were then not without their chances throughout the remainder of the first-half, enjoying 60% of the possession and five shots on goal and while the likes of Koki Saito, Nicolas Madsen and Paul Smyth were desperate to get their team on the scorecard, it was not to be. 

It did not take long, however, for the situation to be rectified in the second half with Sam Field sending his fans ecstatic. It had been a rough opening 45 minutes for Marti Cifuentes’ side but they were evidently eager to inject some magic back into the pitch.

After Smyth was narrowly denied an equaliser early into the second half, a subsequent corner saw Field - who came off injured against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday - find the back of the net to send Loftus Road into complete exultation.

However, such exultation could not last forever. And just to dig the knife that little bit deeper into the wound, there was only one man who could change the fortune. If an assist against his old team weren’t enough, Eze would then strike the ball from the top of the box to put the south London side up once again.

Given Palace’s recent 4-0 win over Norwich in the same competition, QPR did well to keep the loss just at 2-1. However, it was still defeat to Marti Cifuentes’ side, as they crash out of the EFL Carabao Cup.

Here are LondonWorld’s ratings following a scrappy and fiery display in W12...

GK - Joe Walsh - 5

First time for Walsh contending against a Premier League side but strikes from Nketiah and Eze proved too much for the newbie.

RB - Harrison Ashby - 5

The Newcastle loanee was enjoying his first appearance for the Rs but will be disappointed with a few silly errors that caused his fellow defenders and Walsh unnecessary panic. 

A brilliant cross into Smyth early in the second half saw Dean Henderson stretch to deny with the resulting corner leading to Field’s equaliser.

Subbed in 67th minute with much to learn as his Loftus Road journey begins.

CB - Steve Cook - 7

Had been contendingwell with Ebere Eze early on in the first half, often on hand to help out debutant Ashby. An early break away from Eze was pacified by Cook with the ex-QPR star arguably just one shot away from scoring. Dealt with early threat of Eze in box when presented with 1v1.

Arguably Hoops best defender tonight.

CB - Sam Field - 8

It was an excellent pass from Eze, however Nkeitah appeared completely free to receive with Fields unable to block the ex-Arsenal forward. 

Any first-half mistakes would be quickly forgotten following his equaliser after 53rd minute. A scramble to the ball was met by the defender who powered it past the England international goalkeeper. 

Maybe given too positive a score given the scrappy nature of much of his defending, but his fans will be grateful that his goal provided a fine opportunity to get back in the game.

LB - Kenneth Paal - 7

A steady contributor, most notably aiding Walsh in keeping Munoz from doubling the lead late in the first half. Worked well throughout the pitch, often running throughout left-hand flank.

CM - Elijah Dixon-Bonner - 5

Subbed at half-time having made little impact. Offered moments of opportunity but too little to warrant staying on the grass.

CM - Jonathan Varane - 6

Received yellow for foul on Eze which was unfortunate given his strong start in midfield. Had been providing fine defensive back-up for Field and Cook but began to lose composure as the game went on.

RW - Koki Saito - 7

Appeared most likely to make the difference for Rs in first half but often tried to hard by himself, ultimately losing the ball to Lacroix and Guehi when he could have passed. 

A strong force for the Palace defenders to contend with but was unable to make the difference in time.

CAM - Nicolas Madsen - 8

Joins Saito in being one of the Hoops’ stronger performers. Cut in well between the Palace defensive lines but was unable to capitalise on a few goal opportunities.

LW - Paul Smyth - 7

Teamed up well with Madsen to create several chances outside the box. Paired well with Ashby on debut, excluding early teething issues.

Will have been gutted his header early in the first half was deflected by Henderson but worked exceptionally hard on the left hand side to give the Hoops as much chance as possible.

STR - Zan Celar - 5

Quiet first half for the striker with Madsen, Smyth and Saito doing most of the work. While omni present up top, the majority of shots came from his midfield teammates.

SUB Kader Dembele

Offered more on the ball than his predecessor in the position had

SUB Alfie Lloyd

Sends it agonisingly wide of the goal just before the 90 minutes was up, creating electric final five minutes of play.

SUB Hevertton Santos

Joins Lloyd and Andersen in creating some much needed energy with QPR flagging in the final minutes

Quick to ignite some action into the side but only on the pitch for final ten minutes of play.

Subbed on in 79th minute and unable to create the necessary impact needed to put QPR back in the match.