QPR away - Ratings report

Allan McGregor – 8

Confident display by the agile Scot who wasn’t over-worked but made crucial saves when necessary and took responsibility for coming for balls he could take. Penalty save was absolutely crucial and averted a travesty. Running battle with Remy at corners didn’t distract him.

James Chester – 8

Didn’t put a foot wrong in defence and headed the match winning goal. Showed improved level o concentration and, despite Rio Ferdinand being on the pitch, was the best defender with the ball at his feet.

Alex Bruce – 6

Struggled to get to grips with Remy’s pace at times but produced one magnificent goal saving block. Injured again which is a worry. He’s a brave defender but he gets knocked too easily.

Curtis Davies – 7

Went about his business without any fuss. Remy and Austin offered two very different problems but Davies won his fair share of battles with both.

Ahmed Elmohamady – 8

QPR have decided to play 3-5-2 because a) everyone else is and b) they have haggard defenders. It isn’t just that simple though and Elmo showed them why. He’s the most natural wing-back in the league and offered a threat that neither QPR wing-back could dream of emulating. ‘arry needs to watch the video of Elmo back with Simpson and Traore if he’s to have any success with the system. Great run won the match-winning corner and late challenge denied Zamora an equaliser.

Tom Huddlestone – 6

The Tigers passed the ball dreadfully in the first half and disappointingly Hudds was unable to get his foot on the ball and calm the situation. He made mistakes as poorly as anyone and only improved when the goal had gone in and confidence bled through the team.

Jake Livermore – 6

Similar to Huddlestone. Had a wasteful first half and his trademark lung-bursting running was seen rarely. Improved later on and his fitness levels showed as the opposition midfield tired.

Robert Snodgrass – 6

His game was sadly cut short by a knee injury which could keep him out for months. His decent early corner deliveries showed what he was bought for.

Andrew Robertson – 8

Very impressive debut from the 20-year old. He’s taken to the wing-back role quickly and offered a great outlet on the left hand side from the first minute. His crossing was excellent and he defended well – his goal line clearance being crucial. Made a couple of poor mistakes in possession but that just meant he fit right in.

Tom Ince – 6

Anonymous in the first half with service in short supply. Showed fleeting glimpses of his quality when the game opened up. Had the chance to put City into an unassailable lead but finished tamely after showing pace and grit to get into the position in the first place.

Nikica Jelavic – 5

Rarely involved in the game despite his incessant effort. Makes run after run, mostly unseen, and occupies defenders thoughts. Should have had a penalty in the first half when his clever play exposed Traore’s stupidity. Ref bottled it.

Subs:

Stephen Quinn – 8

Typically busy in the midfield. Improved City with his energy, bite and sensible passing. Provided the assist for Chester’s goal with a tremendous corner and the goal saw confidence flood through the team. I’m not sure why he came on instead of Meyler, perhaps a tactical move by Bruce to show Quinn that he’s valued, but it was a wise decision. We won’t get a better backup midfielder with a better attitude.

Paul McShane – 6

Quiet game for the half-time sub.

David Meyler – 5

Little time for Meyler to impress with his main role being to shut down their sub Hoilett on the left.

Gaffer:

Steve Bruce - 8

His three at the back system worked better than theirs due to the wing-backs he’s acquired. Meyler would always start away from home if I was choosing but hard to argue with the manager when he gets results as good as this one. Introduction of Quinn was a master-stroke.