Stoke City player ratings vs QPR as winger revelation with new trick in massive win
Stoke City player ratings vs QPR as winger revelation with new trick in massive win
Stoke City produced their best performance under Mark Robins to thump Queens Park Rangers and take an important step towards Championship safety.
Stoke seemed in absolute control from the moment they stepped out on the pitch and were 2-0 to the good by half-time thanks to strikes from Bae Junho and Junior Tchamadeu.
They made it three less than 10 minutes into the second half thanks to Million Manhoef and had opportunities for a fourth in play that was full of energy and confidence.
QPR pulled one back through Yang Min-Hyeok to spread a few nerves through the final 10 minutes but Stoke regained composure to see the job through, carried over the line by a blast of noise from around the home stands.
This result means Stoke are now 18th in the table, four points above the bottom three – and now only three points behind QPR.
Stoke had assumed control in the first half thanks in large to the brilliant combination play of Tchamadeu and Manhoef down the right. First Manhoef left Andersen dumbstruck when he dipped onto his right foot to zip to the by-line and then use his right foot again to lift a shot over Nardi to graze the crossbar.
Then the breakthrough came in the 21st minute. Manhoef let the right-back go past him down the wing, then found him for Tchamadeu to pass into the middle, where Junho was sprinting to crash a shot into the net. That was the forward’s third goal in five home games.
Junho did superbly to get to the by-line and cross, where Manhoef had dashed inside to force Nardi into a point-blank stop. The chance looked like it had gone but Tchamadeu was following up on the edge of the area and drilled a low left footer into the bottom right corner for his first Stoke goal.
QPR hoped a half-time triple sub would stem the tide but Stoke kept their foot down and were 3-0 ahead in the 54th minute. Baker produced a terrific skidding pass between QPR defenders for Manhoef to outstrip Morgan Fox with a diagonal run, take a touch past onrushing Nardi and push a shot into the empty goal.
Manhoef was denied another by a superb recovery tackle by Kenneth Paal and sub Min-Hyeok pulled one back when he was given too much time and space to turn and pick his spot just outside the Stoke area. It meant that the scoreline flattered the visitors and Stoke can hit the last seven games with renewed belief.
Viktor Johansson
Smothered early Andersen drive well and took command with punches and claims when crosses came into Stoke area. Seemed desperate to get involved at some stages. 7
Junior Tchamadeu
Combination work with Manhoef to supply well-timed cut-backs. Superb strike for Stoke’s second with left foot; his first goal for the club. 8.5
Eric Bocat
Serious speed breaking down the left and he can pick a pass too, including beauty to find Manhoef in box in second half. 8
Ben Wilmot
A strong response to heartbreak of last minute last time out. Largely no nonsense and led Stoke’s defence. 8
Ashley Phillips
Deceived by wind in opening stages but did his best to be commanding, with a dial up in aggression and defending on the front foot – apart from QPR goal. 8
Ben Pearson
Zipped in to win the ball and keep QPR penned back in their half and was smart with passes, linking with Burger and Baker. His best game in a couple of years. 8.5
Wouter Burger
A pivotal role in the middle helping to keep Stoke playing at a high tempo. Could change gear too with some clever passes trying to break the line. 8
Million Manhoef
A revelation as he used his right foot to leave. Perplexed Andersen was left for dead. Hit bar, played part in goals and scored himself. 8.5
Lewis Baker
Pressed like a trooper in attacking midfield role and has the technical ability to use the ball well when he’s involved. 8
Sam Gallagher
First start since January 4. More than a nuisance for centre-backs, working as a foil for Junho, Baker and Manhoef. Chipped in defensively too. 8
Bae Jun-Ho
Third goal in five home games and he was ruthless in taking it. Excellent work to tee up the second too. 8.5
Nathan Lowe
(for Gallagher, 61): Might have scored with pretty much his first involvement when he got on the end of cross from Baker. Some hard work and neat touches. 7
Jordan Thompson
(for Pearson, 69): First touch was sweeping volleyed pass from middle out to left. Helped Stoke see out closing stages. 6.5
Lewis Koumas
(for Junho, 69): Summoned on the left to take over from Junho. Should have been more ruthless in foot race with keeper. 6.5
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