HOW THEY RATED
With Andy Turner
STARTING FORMATION: 3-4-2-1 BEN WILSON: Didn’t have a great deal to do and no save to make in the first half as QPR failed to hit a single shot on target. Extremely well protected amid sustained second half pressure albeit not having a single save to make as the visitors failed to muster a shot on target until the 75th minute when Dickie hit a blistering shot that looked to be heading for the top corner until the keeper flung himself to his left and pushed it wide for a corner. 7
CALLUM DOYLE: Quick and positive with his defending as City dominated the opening 45 minutes. Positive bringing the ball out of defence and really had to dig in amid some intense second half pressure. 8
KYLE MCFADZEAN: Strong and dominant, heading clear everything that came his way while being really calm and confident at the heart of the back three. Played some delightful long diagonals to the wing-backs and made a brilliant tackle to deny Chair an early chance in the second half. Went on a Konjic-esque run up-field in the second half when he played a one-two and had a shot on goal blocked. Captain fantastic and man of the match. 8.5 JONATHAN PANZO: Read the game well and alert to danger as he kept a close eye on the lively Ilias Chair and even had a shot at goal in a confident first half. Tackled really well when required and right on top of his game throughout, helping to keep yet another clean sheet. 8
JOSH ECCLES: Wasted a really good early chance when he fired into the stands but worked hard and defended and pressed well, facing former teammate Jake Clarke-salter who was deployed at left-back rather than centrehalf. Guilty of the odd stray pass but got forward well to support attacks in a dominant first half. Got more confident as the game went on and set Gyokeres up for a brilliant header. 7
GUS HAMER: Outstanding from the first minute, the midfielder sparked an early chance and was at the heart of numerous attacks while also winning back possession time and time again. A terrific presence in midfield, always calm under pressure, driving forward 40 yards one minute and clearing in the box the next. 8.5
BEN SHEAF: Patrolled the midfield well, winning possession and making excellent use of the ball. Shielded the back three well at the start of the second half when QPR started to enjoy more possession and force City backwards. 7.5
JAKE BIDWELL: Worked the left flank where he was strong and physical and linked up nicely with Gyokeres when he drifted out wide. Defended solidly throughout. 7
CALLUM O’HARE: Brilliant from the start, the lively midfielder sent Gyokeres away on the counter attack and then set the striker up with a lovely square ball into the box to give City the 11th minute lead. A constant threat who linked up nicely with Gyokeres whom he set up for his second. Two assists – brilliant! 8 JAMIE ALLEN: A real bundle of energy at the top of the midfield box from where he lifted an early shot over the bar. Never stopped running, chasing and pressing and linked up well with his fellow forwards. 7.5
VIKTOR GYOKERES: A real handful from minute one with his strong and direct running, and gave City the deserved early lead when he turned his man in the box and picked his spot in the top corner following an assist from O’hare. Slotted home confidently in the 78th minute from another O’hare assist. Headed goalwards for what looked to be his hat-trick until the keeper tipped over at the last second. 8.5
SUBSTITUTES
Subs not used: Simon Moore, Liam Kelly, Kasey Palmer, Tyler Walker, Todd Kane, Fabio Tavares, Jack Burroughs. QPR (4-3-3): Seny Dieng; Ethan Laird, Robert Dickie, Jake Clarke-salter, Jimmy Dunne; Andre Dozzell, Sam Field, Taylor Richards; Chris Willock, Lyndon Dykes, Ilias Chair.
Subs not used: Jordan Archer, Osman Kakay, George Thomas, Niko Hamalainen, Olamide Shodipo, Sinclair Armstrong, Albert Adomah.
GOALS: SKY BLUES: Gyokeres (11, 78) REFEREE: John Busby. ATTENDANCE: 23,201 (3,651 away).