Queens Park Rangers (QPR) completed one of the greatest-ever comebacks at Ashton Gate on Saturday. They captured an exciting 2-1 win at home against Bristol City. After being on the backfoot for much of the game, QPR came alive in the second half to flip the script. Emil Riis scored first on the day for Bristol City. Kone and Paul Smyth replied to take all three points for QPR.
Bristol City were first to score in the 32nd minute, as Ebony Salmon headed home from a corner. Riis skillfully tucked his effort under the bar with a precise header. Cairney’s goal was set up by a beautiful, sweeping cross from Mark Sykes that was volleyed back across the net by Neto Borges. Just three shots on goal total, one for each team, in the first half. That was creating a pretty dull first half.
QPR were largely unable to carve out any obvious openings during the opening 45 minutes. Scott Twine squandered a golden chance when he shot off target from eight yards. In much the same way, Bristol City’s Karamoko Dembele went close but shot high and wide, with both sides looking to find their groove.
Tactical Changes and Team Performance
Coming into the match, QPR manager Julien Stephan made six changes to his team after a 0-0 draw with Oxford. For Bristol City’s Gerhard Struber, it was just one change to his starting eleven. This about-turn came after their 1-1 draw with Ipswich in midweek. Mark Sykes came in to replace Ross McCrorie in the starting eleven for Bristol City.
Despite their head start, Bristol City seemed hell bent on making the most of their chances. Even better chances fell to Anis Mehmeti and Rob Atkinson to double their advantage. Sadly, both fouled opportunities to score badly. As the game wore on, QPR started to assert themselves more on the game and started to create more chances.
“These are things we have to work on. But we could also have done with a little help from the referee who did not see a clear push on Ross McCrorie and a foul on Neto Borges, which should have led to penalties.” – Gerhard Struber
A Second-Half Surge
QPR drew level soon after the interval as Kone’s neat finish tied the contest at 2-2. The equalizer breathed new energy into QPR’s display as they poured forward in search of a winner.
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when Paul Smyth scored with a pinpoint header, assisted by Jimmy Dunne’s accurate cross. This late goal was an incredible reversal of fortune for QPR, who had shown heart and fight after going behind.
There were further chances for Bristol City to hit back and retake the lead only for them to be wasteful with their opportunities. It was on Struber’s side that the frustration mounted, with their attempts at goal consistently being left unrewarded.
“When you want to build something, you need time. The Championship is a marathon, a long, long journey, and while we will enjoy the moments, we need to be aware we have to keep working hard.” – Julien Stephan
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