Team: Green, Perch, Onuoha, Hall, Konchesky, Henry, Faurlin (Polter), Phillips, Luongo, Chery (Doughty), Austin
Subs Not Used: Lumley, Hill, Gladwin, Emmanuel-Thomas, Hoilett
Attendance: 21, 032 (including 766 R’s fans)
Matty Phillips underlined his value to QPR as their rousing recovery stunned Wolves. The winger scored a second-half double to inspire a fight-back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Molineux.
Charlie Austin started the comeback in the first-half before Phillips took centre stage. West Bromwich Albion still want to sign the 24-year-old and Phillips, who also assisted Austin’s goal, was the difference as QPR got their first Championship win of the season.
Benik Afobe and Kevin McDonald had put Wolves ahead inside the first 25 minutes but they lost control as soon as Austin pulled a goal back. All eyes were on Afobe before the game and the in-demand striker, reportedly interesting Norwich, took his tally to three in four outings.
The home side had released a strongly worded statement insisting Afobe would not be sold. And the 22-year-old proved he was not distracted by the transfer talk with a fiery opening. The former Arsenal player could have nodded them ahead inside two minutes but planted a header from Dave Edwards’ deep cross wide.
It set the early tone, with relentless Wolves snapping at the visitors, whose sluggish approach left them trailing. Although Emi Martinez almost spilled Massimo Luongo’s shot into his own net, Wolves were sharper and deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes.
QPR had continually gifted Wolves too much space on the flanks and James Henry cashed in as his cross caused chaos in the box. The ball pin-balled around before falling to Afobe to stab in from five yards.
Eight minutes later it was 2-0 when Henry was again afforded the freedom of the right and his centre was only headed out to McDonald, who lashed in a rasping half volley from 18 yards.
It was all Wolves deserved but while they remained in control they failed to force a game-clinching third, allowing Rangers to hit back.
Austin had been anonymous until the 38th minute when he pulled a goal back, powerfully heading in Phillips’ excellent cross.
Unsettled, Wolves at least tested Rob Green after the interval as the goalkeeper denied Afobe before QPR levelled after 52 minutes. Luongo did well to keep the ball and feed Phillips for the winger to cut inside from the right and his shot took two deflections before creeping low past Martinez.
Wolves had relinquished their position of control and even though Afobe’s free kick brushed the side netting and he fired wide from 18 yards, worse was to follow.
QPR – unrecognisable from their chaotic opening minutes – looked to Phillips for inspiration and he provided it with 18 minutes left. Wolves sat off the winger 25 yards out and while Martinez got a hand to his low effort, it rolled over the line.
Luongo could have finished it when his shot was saved by Martinez while McDonald’s effort deflected inches wide and Green beat away Scott Golbourne’s late effort as Wolves failed to recover.
The Guardian