Friday night's 1-0 win over promotion hopefuls Aston Villa capped off what was a fine week and month for the Rs. With Rangers claiming 13 points from a possible 15 in October. A lot of the change in fortunes has been heaped on the arrivals of some experienced signings. These include: Angel Rangel, Geoff Cameron, Nahki Wells and Tomer Hemed; and the experience these players have on and off the pitch has blended perfectly with the youthful squad which Steve McLaren inherited when he walked into W12.
Over previous seasons and under many management regimes, QPR have become renowned for a leaky back line, with mistakes at crucial times impacting on results. But Friday night was a classic example of how strong Rangers have been defensively in previous weeks, despite Villa’s domination of possession and huge, high profile attacking options. The Super Hoops stood strong and were rewarded with a well ground-out clean sheet, which will probably please McLaren and his back-room staff just as much as the three points.
Pawel Wszolek’s late first half effort, which was given thanks to the use of goal line technology, was enough to move QPR even further up the table, and end what was a fine week. Six goals, three clean sheets; in three games. But, more importantly: nine points in seven gruelling days.
QPR head next to in form Blackburn Rovers, in what will be another tough test: Rs haven't won at Ewood Park since 1999. Then Rangers prepare for the arrival of local rivals Brentford, for a fixture in which the home side have tended to struggle: the last win came at the end of the 2015/16 season.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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