Stefan Bajic - 5
We don’t mean to sound patronising but it really is impressive how vocal he is so early in his City career and new life in England. The Frenchman also made two very good saves over the course of the contest, especially a fine parry to his right as Raph Pedder’s strike looked destined for the top corner. However, his error for QPR's first as he was cheaply robbed in possession gave the visitors a route back into a game that City were comfortable in.
Zac Bell - 6
Interesting to see him lining up on the right-hand side of a back three and, in the main, the Wales Under-19 international acquitted himself well, particularly as a covering defender whenever the ball bypassed Joe Low. Had a real test with the movement of Alfie Lloyd although he wasn’t at all responsible for either goal conceded.
Joe Low - 7
Just a colossal figure at the heart of the defence as he stands head and shoulders above his peers but what stood out the most from his performances was his coolness in possession and the way he was confident enough to dribble into midfield Rob Atkinson-style giving City another dimension in possession. He did lose the flight of the ball slightly for QPR’s second goal but that’s nit-picking a bit.
Raphael Araoye - 6
Went about his business with quiet efficiency and kept it simple, whether in possession or when tracking runners. Was positionally very sound throughout but didn’t have the same impact on the ball as Low.
Harry Leeson - 7
An excellent performance in the first-half which wasn’t quite matched in the second as he was starved of the ball a bit or that QPR worked out a way to stop his marauding runs forward. There were a couple of eye-catching crosses while his touch and ability to space the field, by constantly finding space gave real shape and balance to City’s play.
Han-Noah Massengo - 7
A surprise name on the teamsheet with a rare sighting for Massengo in the Under-21s. The Frenchman didn’t exactly dominate proceedings but looked, as you’d imagine, classy on the ball with a couple of trademark pirouettes through midfield to break tackles. Also got through a lot of defensive work.
Omar Taylor-Clarke - 7
Actually got better as the game progressed and got more stretched and he could perhaps find more space to exploit. Kept thinks ticking over and was always purposeful and direct with his passing.
Ewan Clark - 6
Playing in the Andi Weimann-role at the top of the midfield, his goal was a result of him arriving late into the penalty area and converting Sam Bell’s cut-back. Replaced at half-time, though, for Ben Acey so didn’t get a chance to build on that first 45 minutes.
Elijah Morrison - 7
Left the field towards the end of the game, perhaps with cramp, but it was a solid shift by the 16-year-old who’s more comfortable as an out-and-out winger. Was given an examination defensively and stood up to the task while there were some positive intent in an attacking sense if only his final ball could have been a bit more efficient.
Seb Palmer-Houlden - 7
Set the tone with his charge down for the opening goal as his extra-large limbs did the business to embarrass the QPR goalkeeper. Always a positive runner who possesses deceptive pace, he constantly provided a passing outlet for his midfielders to try and spark those counter-attacks that proved so difficult for QPR to deal with.
Sam Bell - 8
Is in that middle ground of being probably too good for the Under-21s but not able to force his way into the first-team equation, Bell was a bundle of energy and relentless running, in and out of possession. Scoring one and making another, it was just a shame he wasn’t provided more opportunities after the break.
Substitutes
Ben Acey (for Ewan Clark, 46) - 7
Sat deeper than Clark and had some impressive moments where he broke up the play and then distributed calmly and concisely to his forward players.
Prince Henry (for Palmer-Houlden, 65) - 6
Took up the mantle of running beyond and dragging defenders into wide areas. Didn’t see that much of the ball, as QPR pushed for an equaliser, but there were some bright moments towards the end, including one which he set up Leeson for a chance with a clever pass.
Marley Rose (for Elijah Morrison, 87) - N/A
Subs not used: Mac Boyd, Ephraim Yeboah
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