Match Report: Hughes Rues Late Mistakes on Loftus Road Return
With just 3 between QPR and Stoke in their 8 collective Premier League matches this season, Saturday’s early kick-off didn’t look promising for anyone who is a fan of goals. However, late drama ensured this match ended with more goals than either side had seen so far in the Premier League this season.
After a disastrous showing against a flailing Manchester United in their last outing, Harry Redknapp risked both Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch in the starting line-up, hoping that they could provide more solidity to QPR’s midfield. With all the points Stoke have accumulated this season having come away from The Britannia, including a shock win at the Etihad, it looked as though QPR would be facing an uphill battle against a side that are always difficult to break down.
Risking the hamstrings of his midfield paid off in the short term for Redknapp as Mutch’s cross provided the assist for Steven Caulker’s first Premier League goal for the club and allowed the home side to breathe a sigh of relief at the half. But both Mutch and Barton - substituted in the first half - were off with 40 minutes still to play. There could be long term implications for QPR if the duo don’t return to full fitness soon, though in this instance the risk may have been worth the reward.
The key battle for Saturday’s early kick-off was the contest between Peter Crouch and Rio Ferdinand. Formally a battle fought between Liverpool and Manchester United, the story unfolded on the weekend at Loftus Road — and there looked like there would only ever be one winner. Within minutes of the match starting, Peter Crouch, not the swiftest of strikers, easily outpaced Ferdinand. Moments later Crouch then beat Ferdinand in the air and assisted for Mame Diouf to score Stoke’s opening goal.
As Ferdinand was outpaced in those opening moments, it appeared that Crouch wasn’t his biggest threat, but time definitely was. It seems to have quickly caught up with the former stalwart of United’s defence. The 35-year-old managed just a single tackle over the course of 90 minutes, while e failed to block a shot or make an interception. Ferdinand appeared a shadow of himself against a familiar opponent. Crouch had managed just 2 goals across 19 league appearances against Ferdinand's former employers United, but on Saturday he looked like he could score against the veteran defender with every attack that Stoke embarked on.
Although a number of mistakes cost the home side, it will be Mark Hughes that will go home disappointed as he acknowledged Saturday’s game as a “missed opportunity”. The Welshman's return saw him greeted with chants of ‘stand up if you hate Mark Hughes’ which he had come prepared for. What he had not counted on was the lapse in concentration from his current charges. They had easily controlled the game for 80 minutes, but in the final 10 saw 3 of their players booked, with Sidwell giving away a free-kick which led to the equalising goal. Stoke will certainly look back at Saturday with regret as they head into next weekend looking for their first points at the Britannia this season.
Is Rio Ferdinand past it or was Saturday's game a blip? Let us know in the comments below
