Queens Park Rangers lost by the odd goal for the second consecutive weekend as they were punished by Sheff Utd for another naïve performance.

Steve McClaren’s post-match comments were overall positive, a complete contrast to many of those in attendance with the general gist being that the team are showing signs they are picking up the things he is trying to implement and it being an improvement on the dour showing at Preston.

Rangers were out-thought and out-fought last weekend at Deepdale, as they struggled to create any real chances before Preston's expertise in gamesmanship allowed them to see out and kill off the Championship opener.

There was a comment on this site last week about teaching “thick boys to do stuff with repetition” and there was a cruel sense of irony with the first home game of the season — perhaps the repetition we're seeing is in the wrong areas.

Idrissa Sylla and Paul Smyth came into the side as Matt Smith and Bright Osayi-Samuel both dropped to the bench and within the opening 25 minutes it was clear to see why McClaren is so desperate for Derby's Chris Martin.

Goalkeeper Matt Ingram has attracted a fair bit of stick over the last week due to his poor distribution at Deepdale but after a number of kicks that were aimed towards either full-back and went out of play, a long ball to Sylla which went to the opposite side to the forward and then a sliced clearance which went straight to a Sheffield United attacker it's clear to see why he attracted such criticism.

The visitors had obviously done their research and pushed right up from goal kicks with Billy Sharp and Leon Clarke picking up both Joel Lynch and Toni Leinster occupying positions wide of the penalty box whilst the full-backs take up more aggressive positions further up the pitch in another trendy playing from the back tactic. A well-coached tactic looking to maximise the amount of space on the pitch.

This left Rangers and predominantly Josh Scowen having to come and take the ball short from Ingram with the space opening in the middle of the Rangers' half as they tried to create an overload. Yet a mixture of United's pressing and the fact that not many centre-midfielders in the Championship have the ability, awareness or passing range to turn and then start attacks from deep left Scowen acting as a bounceboard; awkwardly pinging the ball into a range of Leinster's body parts.

After hearing positive reviews from those that went to Preston, it was another encouraging performance from the 'BFG'. Strong, dominant in the air and commanding, but his role for much of the first half was limited to that of a German Cannon, launching the ball forward following a calamitous effort to try and start from the back — but when you have a keeper that struggles with kicking and a forward that cannot hold the ball up you don't really have an option other than attempt to play out.

There were some times, as rare as they were, especially in the first-half where Rangers did get out and looked nice playing through the thirds as they adopted a 4-3-3 formation when in possession whilst quickly dropping to a 4-1-4-1 when without the ball.

Osman Kakay looked impressive all afternoon and it was his cross after said build-up play which found Sylla who did well to control and lay off to Eze in one swift move. The new number ten did well but Sheffield United's loanee keeper Dean Henderson did even better diving low to his right to keep the youngster's effort.

The inability to hold the ball up and maintain pressure in Sheffield's half to any real effect was allowing the visitors to push as high as the halfway line in some instances but this was a positive for Rangers. Five minutes after his first attempt Eze was set free again after Luke Freeman's lung busting, counter attacking run (could have been quite literally lung busting judging by his reaction) but Henderson was equal to a poor shot.

It would be third time lucky for Eze and QPR, Luke Freeman again dancing round Enda Stevens and John Fleck before good build up play between Luongo and Eze released Bidwell down the left hand side. The Scouser put in a good low cross which ricocheted around the area before falling back to former Millwall trainee Eze who rifled home from just outside the area. Right foot, right place, right time, and a great finish.

Just like last week and even last season with Rangers conceding either side of half time on a regular basis, they were caught out just before the break as Sharp tapped home from close range after a low cross from Kieron Freeman. Much was made of the fact the goal could have been offside, but really for all Eze's good play going forward he left a lot to be desired defensively and he was caught out for the goal.

Minutes before Bidwell had sought out the midfielder to remind him of his defensive duties and that he kept switching off leaving Bidwell and in a two v one situation. And Bidwell was made right when Freeman's run from deep allowed the full-back the freedom of W12, Eze stood with his hands on his hips only spotting the danger too late.

Ebere Eze is a real player, but from the 'Day in the Life' segment the club ran whilst he was on loan at Wycombe to the player-cam following him on the pitch yesterday, there's a chance we could overhype him before he has even really started. The slips in concentration you hope can be coached out of him and it's rare you see a player in his mould produced by academies these days. An enigma with the ability and swag to match his talent. He spoke in his interview with the media team that he wants to “be at the top of world football” following his new contract with the club, it would seem he doesn't have a problem with confidence.

However he still has an awful lot to learn, he hasn't played many games at this level and certainly doesn't dictate or influence games as much as say someone like Adel Taarabt. An unfair comparison perhaps giving the difference in budgets but of similar age and similar roles in the side. Taarabt was allowed to be a passenger and virtually non-existent when without possession, I'm not sure Eze can do that in this team or even offers enough to be allowed to do that. I am yet to be fully convinced by him, or perhaps the hype around him. Clearly talented, able to strike the ball well with either foot, unpredictable and exciting. Although being very one paced, he is extremely effective when you can get him the ball because it's rare he going to go after it or will be in a position to win it back.

All that being said he was a constant thorn in the side for the visitors and it's easy to see why fans are so excited by his potential this season. I would just approach with caution.

The game would slowly begin to slip out of Rangers' grip as the second-half started, Paul Smyth who seemed to try too hard in the first half, was replaced by Osayi-Samuel. It just didn't happen for the Northern Irishman and maybe a case of defenders being more aware of him rather than the benefit he had last year of being an unknown quantity.

This may shock you, but it was Wilder's Sheffield United who started the brighter of the two after the interval, Leon Clarke flicking the ball over a static Lynch before firing a low shot which Ingram did well to turn around the post.

Unlike the first-half, the visitors sat much deeper in the second-half limiting the space for Freeman and Eze to cause havoc on the counter, try as they might Rangers were stuck going left and right without offering any real penetration as they let QPR play in front of them reacting to Rangers' lack of pace or willingness to run in behind.

Stevens hung a cross up for substitute David McGoldrick which was dealt with calamitously by Lynch and Bidwell. The former making no real attempt to get his head on the ball and the latter doing some sort of shove-cum-duck routine which he does so often to win a throw-in. I have seen since a number of fans say it wasn't a penalty, in the ground I thought it was. If you're stupid enough to shove a forward in the area then you have to expect it so I can't really complain too much. McGoldrick dusted himself down to put away the penalty despite only being on the pitch for a number of minutes.

Rangers huffed and puffed to try and get back in the game without creating much of note, Eze was moved more infield and Freeman wider, before Sylla was hauled off for Matt Smith. Neither of McClaren’s changes made any real difference to the game, the last throw of the dice being Washington replacing Kakay with a few minutes left to play.

Eze forced two good saves with long-range shots but in truth they ran out of ideas as Sheffield, much like Preston last week saw the game out from around the 70thminute. Both centre-halves, Fleck, McGoldrick and the Henderson both spent time on the floor with 'injuries' as they continued to disrupt the rhythm of the game until it had completely petered out. Five minutes of added time for three substitutions for both teams and numerous stoppages for injuries seemed slightly under what it should have been however it would prove to be irrelevant though. Despite winning silly freekicks off Eze, they then wanted to discuss the reasoning for every decision with the referee wasting more seconds and not a single home player making a comment about it.

Again QPR succumb to the magical dark arts of the Championship as they ultimately produced another naïve performance. They should have done more to hold what they had before half-time and then to give the referee a decision to make with the penalty was criminal after the break. I am sure this side will be different to the one that faces Birmingham in September but there's only so much they can bring in. Veteran Angel Rangel seems to be close to signing and no doubt a striker of some sort will be signed but will this make much of a difference? We don't seem to be nasty enough, strong enough or quick enough and this was a poor Sheffield United. If we can't get results popping teams off the pitch then you need to be able to get nasty and grind results out, hopefully that will come.

Although it will be long season if they keep making the same mistakes, two games against two hardened,, no thrills Championship teams and zero points on the board. With free-scoring West Brom next week, the worst could be still to come.

Links >>> Ratings and Reports >>> Message Board Match Thread

QPR: Ingram 5; Kakay 6, Leistner 8, Lynch 4, Bidwell 5; Scowen 6, Luongo 5, Freeman 6; Smyth 5 (Osayi Samuel 46, 6), Eze 7, Sylla 5 (Smith 69 , 5)

Subs not used: Lumley, Cousins, Manning, Baptiste.

Goals: Eze 29 (unassisted)

Yellow Cards: Lynch (foul)

Sheffield United: Henderson, Stevens, Egan, Stearman, O'Connell, Freeman, Duffy (Woodburn 70), Basham, Fleck, Clarke, Sharp (McGoldrick 64 (Leonard 83))

Subs not used: Lumstrum, Lafferty, Moore, Norrington-Davies.

Goals: Sharp 43, McGoldrick 68 (penalty)

Yellow Cards: Woodburn (kicked ball away)

QPR Star Man — Toni Leistner 7 Another sturdy performance from the new signing, it's almost a shame that there is just no money available because some of the signings over the last 12 months have been really good. He's no John Stones but we don't need him to be. Beautifully dealt with McGoldrick clattering into the back of him forcing him off after a lively introduction and was keen to play the man when he could. It can't be easy playing against an seemingly disinterested Lynch and a youngster in Kakay so he's proving to be a positive when there isn't many.

Scott Duncan (Newcastle) 5: Not too bad, seemed to to place a lot of trust in his officials whom I'm sure he would think had a better view on things but there was definitely some questionable decisions regarding corners and throw-ins from them. With the penalty, I have watched it a few times and can see why it was given, but when Henderson began to time waste through the second-half it didn’t feel as though he was strong enough and then allowed them to refereeing the last few minutes how they pleased completely seeing the game out.

Attendance 14,128 (2,000 Sheffield United approx.) A flat, dead atmosphere only filled with moments of vitriol from those around me in R Block with abuse directed at either Lynch, Luongo, Washington and Sylla. Sheffield travelled in good numbers but it's never great when you are hearing player shouts to each other as though it is pre-season rather than the first home game.

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Myke added 20:18 - Aug 12 Thanks for report Jordan. I would be more critical than you of our mid-fielders inability to play out from the back. How hard is it to play the ball forward ten yards then race forward to take a return pass and repeat the process. How hard is it for the fulbacks to come short, lay it off and move ten yards forward for the return?
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davman added 20:58 - Aug 12 I am not sure it is quite as bad as you make out. Their goal WAS offside and, sorry, but as I thought at the time and still do after seeing it on tv, there is no way that was a pen. Luongo yet to start playing this season and as long as we get a CB and a Striker in, I reckon we'll be ok. I wonder if Lumley is going to get a chance soon?
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Hunterhoop added 21:02 - Aug 12 Thanks for the report, but a 7 for Lynch?! Were we watching the same game. He was terrifying in possession and switched off repeatedly. Very generous to the ref too. One of the worst and weakest performances i’ve seen in years.
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YorkRanger added 21:17 - Aug 12 Good report Jordan, much of which I agree entirely with, other than the pen which I thought was a very poor decision. Early days although I'm currently hoping there are three worse teams in the Division...
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Phil_i_P_Daddy added 21:27 - Aug 12 V. early days obvs, but I’m not sure there’s room for Freeman and Eze in the same team. Chances of them both being at the races at the same time are, I fear, low and we can’t carry a single passenger this year (and the waiting room isn’t exactly empty as it is). I thought Scowen was asked to do too much on Saturday and even he can’t keep up that work rate. Let’s see what the loan market brings, but if 35 year olds are seriously on our radar...

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superhoopdownunder added 01:17 - Aug 13 The referee was rubbish. Very weak and made poor decisions. Sheffield United should of had at least 4 players booked Clarke earlier for quite a few fouls he committed. David McGoldrick was a cheat and feigned injury twice Henderson (the goalkeeper) wasted loads of time and should have been booked when he first started it Whoever fouled Eze when he had beaten his man near the paddock. Jordan, both goals should not have stood - the first one was offside and the second one was never a penalty.

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timcocking added 01:57 - Aug 13 Playing around at the back is an awful, awful new trendy tactic. No point whatsoever doing it and absoluetly guaranteed to hurt unless you get exactly the right players like Swansea managed that time. We had Robbo and Smithies who were perfect for, let them go for nothing. No possible way you can turn players who don't want the ball into being suddenly comfortable on the ball at that level.

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QPRski added 05:58 - Aug 13 Well done for a great report. I did not realise that it was not Clive! :) Some very interesting observations and analyses. However, I cannot agree with your view on the penalty.
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Myke added 09:18 - Aug 13 Tim, I can't agree with you. What do you want us to do? Hoof it long time after time to Smith? This is the real definition of 'awful'. You say things like 'players who don't want the ball' They are PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS for goodness sake, if they don't want the ball, why are they there? I'm a teacher, I don't really want kids in my school, it would run more smoothly without them, but hey I gottta get on with it. You also say 'at that level' like we were in the 14th tier of football. This is the Championship, one tier below 'the best league in the world' . If we can't educate our players to receive the ball, pass the ball and move for a return pass then we might as well just give up

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PinnerPaul added 09:30 - Aug 13 Thanks for that, agree with most of it, including your view of the pen! Cheers
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Toast_R added 09:32 - Aug 13 Thank you for the report. Of course it wasn't a penalty.
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Marshy added 09:39 - Aug 13 It’s positive that we are trying to play out from the back rather than just hoof the ball upfield, in the hope that someone (usually Smith) will get on the end of it. However, with the current balance of the team, we just haven’t got enough good players to achieve this with any real success. Eze was great when he got the ball, and seemed the only player who looked likely to score. Which of course he did. I was impressed by young Kakay who had a lot of possession, and looked good when going forward as a wing back. Overall we were probably unlucky not to at least get a draw. Schteve has said we need to be patient. I wouldn’t disagree with that.

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isawqpratwcity added 10:47 - Aug 13 Great report, thank you. Time for the Rob Green haters to find out if it really is that easy to teach a goalie decent distribution. Hopefully that 2nd half save will give him some confidence. And wtf is up with Mass?
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connell10 added 13:17 - Aug 13 Good report , but I'm afraid that was never ever a pen! Terrible decision from a short bald useless kunt of a ref!!
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oldmisery added 14:52 - Aug 13 I'm not sure that the issue with young Smyth related to their defenders being more aware of him than last season. It seemed to me (as someone watching the game from the paddocks) that he was being asked to play as a supplementary right back, with Kakay often being deployed closer to the two central defenders. And, like Pawel before him, little Smyth's ability to run at their defenders was being negated. Obviously you want him/anyone in that position to be the first point of defence and close down any opposition attacks that are started by their left back but I felt all his energies were being expended in that role and it left him a tad depleted. Perhaps he's better deployed as an impact substitute.

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nix added 16:20 - Aug 13 Playing out from the back might work if you’ve got defenders that are confident doing it and move the ball crisply and confidently. In our case the ball is moved round so slowly in defence we seem to have reverted to being really static and predictable. It allowed United to double up on us in midfield so we kept losing possession. It reminded me a bit of Reading: lots of possession in their own half but dead boring and easy to close down in midfield. Luongo being asked to play a holding midfielder is a step backwards too in my view. He admitted to relishing being given the freedom to push up last season and rewarded the faith by scoring a few goals. He looked a shadow of his last season self. I agree that Eze needs to support Bidwell. You never want to see the player who is supposed to be defending running back to his own goal, trailing behind the attacking player, as happened for their first goal.

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TacticalR added 14:03 - Aug 14 Thanks for your report. A tremendously frustrating afternoon. I don't know quite why I feel so negative about the first two matches, but I have got a feeling something is missing, with a lot of players in the team looking unable to step up a gear. We had a good spell where it looked like we might take control of the game, but the first Sheffield United goal brought all that crashing down and knocked the stuffing out of us. I wasn't happy with Smyth going off as I think BOS is much more limited. In the ground it wasn't obvious what had happened for the penalty, and having seen it a few times on the replays it's not obvious that it was a penalty either.

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smegma added 15:13 - Aug 14 I've been going to football for 46 years and couldn't believe what I saw on Saturday. Ingram took a goal kick in the first half and actually kicked the ball behind him to BFG who was stood on the byline, so effectively behind the six yard line, over by the paddock side. That's really going to be a game changer isn't it ???? Utter nonsense more like. Like the report said, we ran out of ideas just after the hour and allowed the Blades to dictate the play by basically cheating. And we fell for it for the second week running.

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enfieldargh added 15:52 - Aug 14 Great report thanky Hunterhoop Ithink you got your numbers mixed up Lynch was given 4/10, 7 you may have got confused with 7 misplaced passes?
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