Burton Albion v QPR - The final word

Article by Jeff Mayakovsky

QPR: Murphy, Simpson, Onuoha, Dunne, Hill, Wright-Phillips, Henry, Faurlin, Phillips, Hoilett, Taarabt.

Subs: Green, Fer, Mutch, Zamora, Ehmer, Doughty, Harriman

QPR made 9 changes to Sunday's starting line up, Hoilett and Taarabt being the most significant, Hoilett appeared to be gaining his best form in the pre-season friendly matches and some fans have been surprised at his omission from the starting line up. Taarabt was said to be not up to match fitness, so it was a surprise to see him given a game. Despite the amount of changes this was still a strong QPR side. Burton Albion started playing a 4:4:2 formation and initially they made it difficult for the R's.

Taarabt had Rangers first opportunity but put it past the post. Then Hoilett had a snap shot that hit the bar, though generally QPR were still finding it hard to brake Burton down.

Murphy was called upon to make a number of good saves against the Burton forwards. Whenever the R's attacked Burton got numbers behind the ball making it hard for Rangers to penetrate their defence.

Hoilett had another chance where he lobbed it over the goal. The game was about even at the halfway stage, the R's had 60 percent of the possession to little effect.

The second half started with more of the same, though Clint Hill had to clear from the line, as Burton continued to pose a constant threat. Faurlin was not having one of his best games, unfortunately Rangers had no real striker in the centre and this caused the team to look less then effective in front of goal.

Faurlin who was injured was replaced by Leroy Fer with 30 minutes remaining of normal time. Burton continued to press the Rangers defence winning a number of corners. As the game progressed it started to look like there would be extra time, Dunne gave away a free kick just outside the box and McGurk took it and scored.

Zamora was brought on for Wright-Phillips who had another insignificant game, it is a mystery way Redknapp continues to select him. Karl Henry was then replaced by Jordan Mutch, as the game ticked away out of reach of QPR.

This was the third game and still not a goal, the lack of passion of some players remains a problem. Obviously many of those who played Sunday were not involved and out of the squad players who played you would have expected them to be out to make a claim for contention for a first team place, but that did not happen.

Redknapp has stated that he was impressed with Taarabt during last nights game, a player whose days seem numbered at the club as he seems to want a move away. In the light of the change of formation, it seems that like other clubs, a certain Manchester United in particular, we are struggling to adapt to the style of using wing backs, finding our selves out played and manned in certain areas of the pitch as players seem to be uncertain where to find each other.

But these players are paid high wages, surely they must be able to adapt to a change of tactics. Some of those wearing the club shirt ought to be seriously looking at themselves, they need to start playing with some pride, the fans deserve something better then watching overpaid footballers playing with little passion or desire to win.

Another disappointing performance from the R's. On to today's game!

© e-Football 2014 All rights reserved no part of this document or this website may be reproduced without consent of e-Football