Another dreary defeat, Alex Bullamore reflects:
Another week, another disappointing performance, another 1-0 loss to a team at the bottom of the table. QPR’s second game in this bizarre version of the game we all love ends eerily similar to the first. It’s actually tempting to copy last week’s report, change the names of a few players and post that.
Yet again QPR were found wanting against a team with much more to play for. Charlton took the lead early (just like Barnsley) after we failed to defend a corner properly. Darren Pratley rose highest and with a weak header, that Liam Kelly got half a hand to, managed to score. Kelly has to do better, his attempt at a save was way too weak and the ball squirmed into the net.
After this it was very simple for Charlton they had at least 9 players behind the ball at every opportunity, allowing us to have possession of the ball which QPR did precisely nothing with. QPR finished the game with 65% possession but only 6 shots, compare that to Charlton’s 12 shots and it’s easy to see what the problem is. More chances must be created, we need to be much quicker when in possession of the ball too. There was too much passing sideways across the Charlton box, allowing them to sit back and then hit us on the counter.
After the goal there was very little happening, apart from one moment when Bright Osayi-Samuel managed to get around Adedeji Oshilaja and was clear on goal. However referee Tim Robinson penalised Bright for a non-existent foul on Oshilaja, a truly baffling decision. However this was it for QPR, with no real chances created for the rest of the half. Up front Hugill was poor and behind him Chair, Eze and BOS were lacklustre. I really don’t want to say it but based on the last two games Eze and BOS don’t seem to be interested, maybe they have had their heads turn by offers from bigger clubs. Despite this it would be nice if they could give us fans something to be happy about.
We started the second half stronger, Dom Ball was charging forward from midfield with Geoff Cameron forcing Charlton back. Undoubtedly our best chance was created not long after the break when Angel Rangel put in a great cross which somehow Hugill, who was coming round at the back post did not score. This was huge opportunity for Hugill who had been having a tough time holding play up. Instead he kicked the ball into the ground and it was easily collected by the Charlton keeper.
For a brief period I had hope, Bright was actually using his pace and we were on top. Still this was nowhere near our best and eventually we went back to being lacklustre and boring. From 60 minutes Charlton looked the better side clearly thinking they might have a chance to kill of the game. Charlton had the ball in the net again but it was ruled out of offside, Masterson living dangerously with his marking and probably lucky to get away with it. Pratley again had a great chance to score from a corner, after more poor defending, but instead sent it wide.
QPR ended the game with little more than a whimper, none of the 5 subs brought on managed to make a difference. Faisal Bettache looked good adding a little bit of effort but nothing too significant. Shodipo again came off the bench and looked decent. After BOS’ poor performance Shodipo must be in contention to start against Fulham. However it was all too familiar for QPR a really poor and boring performance.
Next up is Fulham who haven’t restarted well, despite this they’ll have a field day if we play like that next week. Let’s just get this season finished as quickly as possible, and if at some point QPR could score a goal that would be great.