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Crystal Palace logo
Premier League
Mar 14, 2015 at 12.45pm UK
 
QPR logo

3-1

Zaha (21'), McArthur (40'), Ward (42')
FT(HT: 3-0)
Phillips (83')

Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 3-1 Queens Park Rangers

Sports Mole rates the performances of those involved in Crystal Palace's 3-1 win over QPR in their London derby at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace moved 11 points clear of danger courtesy of a 3-1 victory over struggling Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park this afternoon.

The Eagles were three up by half time after goals from Wilfried Zaha, James McArthur and Joel Ward, while Matt Phillips's second-half stunner proved to be a mere consolation for the visitors.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who stood out during the London derby.


James McArthur of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park on March 14, 2015© Getty Images

CRYSTAL PALACE

Goal

Julian Speroni: Had very little to do all game, with most of the rare shots being straight at him. Was beaten all ends up by Phillips's 40-yard screamer, though. (6/10)

Defence

Joel Ward: Got his name on the scoresheet with a third goal that well and truly killed the game off as a contest. Also sound defensively in a very solid performance. (7/10)

Scott Dann: As always, a danger from set pieces in the opposition box and probably had to do more work in an attacking sense than defensively on a comfortable afternoon. (7/10)

Damien Delaney: Enjoyed one of the quieter afternoons that he would have had as a Premier League defender, never truly being tested by the QPR attack. (6/10)

Martin Kelly: Up against Wright-Phillips and, in truth, neither of them featured that much throughout the 90 minutes. It was all very quiet on that flank, at least in the Palace half. (6/10)

Midfield

Jason Puncheon: Another good display as the more creative of the three midfielders. Was particularly dangerous with his deliveries from set pieces before being forced off with what looked like it could be a fairly serious injury. (7/10)

Joe Ledley: Went about his business in a quiet and effective way. Broke up attacks as QPR failed to provide any sustained period of pressure. (6/10)

James McArthur: Typified the difference between the two sides by bursting into the box to score moments after a QPR cross had gone into an empty area. Strong in the middle of the park to help his side control the game. (7/10)

Attack

Wilfried Zaha: A constant threat on the right wing, picking up a goal and an assist for his efforts. He was very brave to get his goal, and then battled on despite taking a hefty blow into the post. He and Bolasie made the difference today. (8/10)

Glenn Murray: A good, busy performance from the striker, who played his part in Palace wrapping the game up before the interval. Didn't get his own name on the scoresheet, but linked up well with Bolasie and Zaha. (7/10)

Yannick Bolasie: The man of the match. Terrorised Furlong in the first half, bagging two assists and provided an ever-present threat down the left. Had less of an influence in the second half, but the game had already been won by that point - thanks largely to Bolasie. (8/10)

Substitutes

Dwight Gayle: Came on for the injured Puncheon and helped his side to see out the victory without getting any real chances to add to the tally. (6/10)

Adrian Mariappa: Replaced Zaha, who hobbled off still feeling the effects of his collision with the post. Fortunate not to pick up a yellow during his time on the field. (6/10)

Yaya Sanogo: Introduced 10 minutes from time and didn't have much time to make an impact on his return from injury. (6/10)


Joel Ward of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Joe Ledley during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park on March 14, 2015© Getty Images

QPR

Goal

Rob Green: May feel that he could have done better with the third goal, although he saw it late. Perhaps could have anticipated the second better too, although that is being hyper-critical and others were more at fault than Green for this defeat. (5/10)

Defence

Darnell Furlong: A day to forget, or rather to learn from, for the youngster. Was taught a lesson by Bolasie, who gave him a torrid time in the first half. Hauled off at the break to avoid further damage. (3/10)

Steven Caulker: Made one fine block in the second half, but the game was already beyond his side at that point. A difficult day at the office. (5/10)

Nedum Onuoha: In fairness to the centre-backs, it was almost impossible to defend against Bolasie's two crosses that provided the opening two goals. However, they struggled to deal with Palace's attacking threat in the first half. (5/10)

Yun Sook-young: Such a difficult afternoon for the full-backs. Did his best up against Zaha and occasionally Ward, but to no avail. Would have been pleased to see Zaha depart, only for Bolasie to come across to his wing. (4/10)

Midfield

Shaun Wright-Phillips: His first league start of the season and, on this evidence, it could be his last. Anonymous for long spells and offered little in attack while also failing to adequately protect Furlong behind him. (4/10)

Sandro: Strong in the tackle and made one particularly good challenge early on to deny Murray in the box. Far too many sideways or backward passes, though. (5/10)

Karl Henry: Much the same as Sandro. Not a creative player and his first thought was rarely to move the ball forward, which was a big reason behind QPR never building up a spell of pressure. (5/10)

Adel Taarabt: Handed just his third league start of the season and at least tried to get his side on the front foot. His final ball was lacking more often than not and many of his tricks came to nothing, but he is bound to be rusty and showed signs that he has the quality required to make a difference if given the chance. (6/10)

Matt Phillips: Deserves a couple of extra marks for his wonder strike, which could very well be goal of the season. Like Wright-Phillips, was far too quiet throughout the match, but that goal will live long in the memory, and he nearly added another screamer shortly afterwards. (6/10)

Attack

Charlie Austin: Not exactly the ideal match in which to showcase his England credentials. Got very few chances to shine, with his only two sights of goal coming late on when he fired straight at the keeper twice. (5/10)

Substitutes

Clint Hill: Replaced Furlong at the break and helped to study things up at the back. (6/10)

Niko Kranjcar: Came on immediately after the QPR goal and had one chance to shoot, but skewed his volley wide. (6/10)

Reece Grego-Cox: Also came on late and had no time to make a difference. (6/10)


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James McArthur of Crystal Palace celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Queens Park Rangers at Selhurst Park on March 14, 2015
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