QPR, after three key bits of contract news this week, hoped to end their four game streak without a win as they took on Hull City last night.

Unfortunately for the hosts, they were bested 3-1 by the Tigers at home, and it looks like the R’s might slip back in towards the relegation battle this season.

It’s defeat in W12. pic.twitter.com/s00CLGXrsh

— QPR FC (@QPR) October 1, 2024

How Did QPR Play?

QPR have been inconsistent to say the least this season, they showed serious promise in the early stages, pulling off results against both Sheffield United and Luton Town. However, they’re yet to register a win in the league since August, and it appears midtable solidarity was too big an expectation this year.

I’m not slating QPR, and I actually think there is a couple positive notes to take from the game, namely the sheer amount of chances created.

In the first half alone, the R’s dominated proceedings, but missed a lot of key chances. Most notably Lucas Andersen’s effort from inside the six-yard box, which was denied by Ivor Pandur in goal.

Superb double save by Ivor Pandur to deny Sam Field from range and Lucas Anderson from the rebound! 🧤

🔵 0-0 🐯 [2'] #hcafc

— Hull City (@HullCity) October 1, 2024

If this had gone in, in the second minute, I think the game could’ve turned out very differently, and it’s not time for alarm bells to start ringing in W12 just yet.

The attackers need to take a portion of responsibility for this defeat, how do you have have 21 shots and only score via a penalty?

How Did Hull City Play?

Despite a slow start to the season, the Tigers have been back to winning ways in all of their last three matches. Their form has turned around so sharply that they now sit 9th in the Championship table.

I think last nights performance was a very good indicator that they know how to get the job done. Whilst they were playing a very inconsistent QPR side, they did have their backs to the wall at points but managed to weather every storm as it came.

Cody Drameh’s wonder strike on the half-volley nestled into the bottom corner, opening the scoring, which gave Hull City more breathing room in this fixture.

Sweet as a nut! 💥#hcafc pic.twitter.com/1UlhWCPWgE

— Hull City (@HullCity) October 1, 2024

Not long after, Chris Bedia managed to tap home a ball from Lewie Coyle at the back posts, and Hull were seemingly home and dry.

IT'S TWOOOOO!!!

🔵 0-2 🐯 [36'] #hcafc pic.twitter.com/97CN1Qduv7

— Hull City (@HullCity) October 1, 2024

Liam Millar once again impressed, the Canadian’s technical prowess and direct nature is often too much for opposition defenders to handle, and QPR’s Hevertton Santos struggled to deal with him.

In the second half especially, the Canadian ran amuck on the left flank, eventually grabbing himself a goal for his efforts with a clever cut in.

Overall, it’s hard to argue with three wins from three for Hull, although it’s important they don’t become complacent as this fixture really could’ve gone either way.

Talking Points?

The Return of Ilias Chair

QPR’s Moroccan wizard returned to proceedings last night for his first match of the campaign, after off field issues impacted his availability.

Whilst he was only given 16 minutes off the bench, chair did beat his man early doors, and showed the technique which has seen him lauded at QPR for the last few seasons. Rust was expected given his lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he’ll be back to his best soon.

Although he’ll never link-up with Chris Willock at Loftus Road again, I think he could build similar relationships with Karamoko Dembele and Koki Saito, to once again keep the R’s fans on their feet.

Oscar Zambrano Filling the Seri-Void?

Zambrano was introduced early on in the second half, replacing Regan Slater, and the Ecuadorian just looked immediately a class above. I was surprised to see him reduced to a substitute role anyway, but rotation is important in a long Championship season.

His range of passing was fantastic, and was a presence all over the pitch, always offering for the ball.

Whilst he’s only with Hull City on loan, I’d imagine they’ll already be in contact with LDU to bring him to the KCOM permanently.