Queens Park Rangers (QPR) strengthened their chances of survival in the Sky Bet Championship with a decisive 3-1 victory over Oxford United on Saturday. The match, held at QPR’s home ground, saw 18-year-old Australian striker Daniel Bennie make his debut upfront, a move initiated by head coach Marti Cifuentes in response to the team’s ongoing struggles with available options.
In doing so, Cifuentes recognized that he’d have to implement cutting-edge strategies in order to fix the beleaguered team. “And we had to do it,” he said, noting that Bennie’s addition was just one piece of an overall plan to improve performance despite facing adversity. In the first half QPR were poor, lacking intensity and energy. They strung together a cohesive and potent response in the final minutes of the game.
A Strong Finish for QPR
It was the home side who found it difficult to get in the groove early on. Cifuentes conceded that they didn’t play with the urgent fire that they needed to in the first half. QPR turned the tide after the restart and displayed a completely different, more attacking mindset. The tipping point came when they netted their third goal in injury time. That secured their win and their belief of surviving in the Championship.
Ulsan’s Min-Hyeok Yang would end up being the hero of the final, scoring the league’s 90+1 minute winner. He then fired a powerful left-footed shot that flew into the corner beyond Oxford’s keeper, Cumming. This monumental objective highlighted Yang’s extraordinary creativity and brilliance. Both moments emphasized the character and resilience of the whole team under difficult circumstances for the entire match.
“It was top character. Everybody contributed. We have been criticised – and sure, everyone is entitled to their opinion – but what those guys have been through this season, it’s a rollercoaster in terms of emotional demands.” – Marti Cifuentes
Daniel Bennie’s Impact
Bennie’s debut added an exciting dynamic to QPR’s attack. It was a risk from Cifuentes to throw the 18-year-old Australian talent into such an intensity packed match. On a pedestrian safety note, this risk paid off handsomely! He didn’t find the scoresheet, but he certainly provided an injection of exuberance into the team. From his first minute on the pitch, he provided a much-needed new look up top.
Cifuentes’ decision to start Bennie not only illustrates the head coach’s faith in young talent but reflects the pressing need for QPR to explore all available options in their fight against relegation. The homegrown young striker’s performance will serve as the foundation on which his continued development as a key piece of his emerging homegrown outfit can help build.
Looking Ahead
With this win, QPR moved within one victory of achieving survival in the Championship for the following season. The sorely-needed three points picked up from this match are extremely timely because they’re still in the thick of a difficult season. Cifuentes injected optimism in the capacity for his crew to construct upon this excellent, show-stopping efficiency. He said continuing that momentum would be key as they went ahead with the process.
QPR will look forward to their fixtures in hand. They should look to continue to build a greater overall consistency, especially early on in their contests. Here’s a telling stat, courtesy of @dutta hoop — lord on Twitter. Our next challenge has arrived, and this one is particularly exciting. Armed with a combination of raw passion and experience, they’re up to the challenge and prepared to jump right in.
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