QPR Blog: Old school football emerges in Rotherham win

Having recently heard the devastating news of Diego Maradona’s passing, I spent the afternoon reminiscing over his best moments on YouTube, but now I must reminisce on a game of slightly lower quality. The Hoops just about made it over the finish line by defeating newly-promoted Rotherham by three goals to two in a typical Tuesday night of second-tier action. 

We started strongly, and Bright Osayi-Samuel made a few trademark bursting runs down the right-hand side, and it was his trickery in the box which gave Ilias Chair the opportunity to fire at goal, and via a somewhat fortuitous double deflection, he saw his attempt land in the back of the net. 

©Getty / MI News

However Rotherham, despite having seen the threat of Osayi-Samuel in the opening stages, simply couldn’t prevent his surging run which resulted in an assured finish into the top corner. 

To complete a first half that had been shaped by sub-par Rotherham defending, a clumsy handball in the last seconds of the half gave Lyndon Dykes the opportunity to convert from the spot, which he took emphatically, scoring his fourth penalty of the season. 

3-1 was a deserved half time score, because some of QPR’s attacking play was scintillating. Bright Osayi Samuel was full of confidence, and Ilias Chair was constantly picking up good positions, and seemed to do absolutely everything right. I’d also like to pick up on Chris Willock, who I said last time would really break into the team, and he did start, and hugely impressed, showing immense quality on the ball. He is someone who is currently really exciting the QPR fan base.

©Getty / MI News

Rotherham did eventually get a goal through a Ladapo rebound header with 10 minutes left, and they predictably proceeded to pile on the pressure, and create a few good chances. In the end, they just fell short, but I’d be wrong if I said that the full-time whistle was anything other than a massive relief.

©Getty / Steven Paston - PA Images

One thing I have noticed however about Chair is that he performs much better at home, with all of his last seven goals having been scored at the KPF, and this does seem to be a concern. As a QPR fan, you want your number 10 performing consistently and regardless of where he is playing, so, especially ahead of our all-important trip to Brentford, that could be something to keep an eye on.

📐 Sit back and relax. #QPRRHM's 𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 is here. #QPR pic.twitter.com/Wd4AmFMoBe

— QPR FC (@QPR) November 26, 2020