Not the worst game they've played this year, not that that says much. We never really looked like we were gonna score. Townsend was direct and looking like he could do something. Granero didn't do much, nor did Mackie or Jenas later. Taarabt couldn't do anything and United were never once threatened aside from one Remy shot. A lost game but not anything unexpected. I doubt many people could say with a straight face that they expected any points even if Redknapp and some of the players tried to make it seem like it was possible.
One thing I did notice was that we didn't completely park the bus like against Tottenham. We tried to have steady build up play but I feel it isn't possible with our current defenders. Hill and Samba can't play out the back. They resort to long balls which only worked to the extent it did because of Zamora. They shut out Taarabt and were forced out to the wings where there was no one in the box, as usual.
I thought Taarabt was very poor today. I didn't see the effort he has been putting in this season. I believe he was at fault for the opening goal. He didn't track back until it was too late. This can't happen again or relegation will become a certainty. QPR shouldn't put all their cards on Taarabt. The reliance on him to create any attacks means QPR go as he goes and this is wrong. Yes he is the best creator we have but it can't be him every time. One thing that he who shall not be named did that I thought was good was his partnership of Granero and Faurlin. Yes they are the same player but there was build up play. There was no need for the centre backs to try and work their way out. I think it would have worked had the partnership been a trio. Against Tottenham early in the season, the 1st goal was unlucky but the 2nd was because of a lack of cover for the midfield and the senior citizens club that was the defense. I'm not saying anything bad about Nelson or Hill but they lack pace. I think it is fixable.
Since Faurlin is gone, obviously someone else would have to take his role. I have not seen enough of Jenas to lock him into that position but I think he would be ideal. Diakite, however, would be my choice. He has been out of form this season but when Redknapp came in he gave him a chance and he looked like he could turn the corner. He was such a big part of why QPR didn't go down last year that I think he can help again. As for the cover, it would be either Mbia or Derry. I do not know how much I would be able to trust him to stay in position and not venture forward so I would go with Derry. With Derry behind him, DIakite won't be the person covering the defense so his defensive duties aren't as big. He won't have to go slide tackle peoples ankles off. He could go on his mazy runs without the risk of leaving the midfield bare and he can play a pass that isn't backwards. With both Diakite and Granero, there is a way out of defense that doesn't rely on the long ball.
With the extra central midfielder, i think that the wings should be more attacking. That would mean moving Mackie to the bench. He was great when he came back last year and props to him for fighting his way back into the team but he just isn't contributing much to attack. He wins balls and provides good cover defensively but it just hamstrings an attack that can't be more dreadful. I think Taarabt should play on the left and Remy (or Hoilett if Remy can't stay healthy) on the right. With a midfield capable of keeping some possession and build up play, Zamora can use is hold up play better rather than put him in a one vs three and expect him to win the header. With that line up the team has a punch in its attack that has been downright putrid. Taarabt has shown he can track back if motivated and Remy I am assuming is just as capable. With that there is defensive cover, a way out of defense, and team capable of attacking. Because of Zamora's minutes limit, Remy can be moved to striker with Townsend or Hoilett able to fill in on the wing.
I just wanted to share my thoughts on QPR. I hate seeing them play like they have been. All the losses feel like they are getting to me. The results haven't been there and time is running out. Being in America and only a fan of not only QPR but football in general since the start of last season, I already can't imagine not waking up Saturday mornings to watch QPR play. This may just be me venting as my hope is dieing slowly, but surely each week. Last season I never really doubted it. It was weird because looking back, the situation was not much better. No one saw a win against Liverpool after 77 minutes disappointment before 13 minutes of absolute joy, a win against an Arsenal side unbeaten in seven games by getting outplayed, or a win against Tottenham fighting for a champions league place. All of that just happened. I won't even get into the city game. I just dream that come next season I will be able to see QPR play. I don't know of any way to watch championship games in America... |  |
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