QPR continued their streak without a loss to four games after playing to a 2-2 draw against Norwich City at Loftus Road last Saturday. Here are the four key points highlighted by Dan Evans from the match.

NEW SIGNINGS MAKE INSTANT IMPACT

Given QPR’s limited activity in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, the arrival of four new players was met with considerable excitement. Last weekend, Joe Hodge, on loan from Wolves, made an impressive debut by scoring a crucial goal in the win against Blackburn Rovers, while another newcomer found the net against Norwich.

Although Michael Frey may not be a familiar name to Championship fans, his debut goal demonstrated his potential to contribute significantly to QPR’s campaign in the second tier. His adept first-time finish to equalize in front of the Loft End showcased his ability to make an impact. The goal was set up by a precise cross from Lucas Andersen, another recent addition to the team. Their combined efforts helped QPR stage a comeback after Norwich had initially taken the lead with two second-half goals.

Manager Marti Cifuentes acknowledged post-match that it will take time for the new recruits to reach peak fitness and adapt to his tactical preferences, particularly regarding defensive pressing. However, the promising performances of the January signings indicate a bright start to their tenure at QPR.

STANDING OVATION FOR ISAAC HAYDEN

Isaac Hayden, brought in on loan from Newcastle United on deadline day, could emerge as the most pivotal of QPR’s recent signings. With extensive Championship experience gained from spells at Newcastle, Norwich, and Hull City, the 28-year-old showcased his astute understanding of the game in Saturday’s match against his former club.

Hayden’s defensive prowess was evident as he made four tackles, the most by any player on the pitch, and contributed three interceptions, effectively neutralizing Norwich’s attacking threats in the first half. Operating as the deepest midfielder in Cifuentes’ setup, Hayden’s defensive work stands out, but he also plays a crucial role in initiating QPR’s possession game.

Under Cifuentes’ guidance, QPR aims to build from the back whenever feasible, placing the onus on the holding midfielder to advance the ball and propel the team forward. Hayden demonstrated proficiency in this aspect against Norwich, completing 93% of his passes and delivering four key passes.

Despite battling cramps and being substituted in the 86th minute, Hayden received a heartfelt standing ovation from the Loftus Road crowd, typically reserved for goal-scoring exploits. Cifuentes remains optimistic about Hayden’s fitness for the crucial upcoming fixture against Stoke City, with hopes of continuing to build the team around him for the remainder of the season.

SQUAD DEPTH CREATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES

QPR’s late January transfer activity has significantly bolstered the depth of Cifuentes’ squad, marking a notable shift from earlier in the season when he often had to rely on untested youth players to fill out the bench. Against Norwich, Cifuentes could name a 20-man squad of senior players, highlighting the increased options at his disposal.

Regular first-teamers like Osman Kakay and Albert Adomah found themselves playing for the development squad due to the limited bench space now available to Cifuentes. The impact of this strengthened squad depth was evident in both the win against Blackburn, where a triple substitution sparked a quickfire scoring spree, and in the match against Norwich.

Trailing to Josh Sargent’s header in the 62nd minute, Cifuentes wasted no time in making changes, bringing on Frey, Andersen, and Paul Smyth. The trio’s introduction injected fresh impetus into QPR’s play, with their combined efforts helping the team regain momentum, epitomized by Andersen’s assist for Frey’s equalizer.

While the ultimate success of the January signings will be judged at the end of the season based on QPR’s ability to avoid relegation, the squad’s current depth suggests that Cifuentes now possesses the necessary tools to mount a genuine bid for survival. With only Rayan Kolli currently sidelined through injury, Cifuentes appears to have a fully equipped squad ready for the challenges ahead.

SET-PIECE DEFENDING PROVES COSTLY AGAIN

Since the FA Cup loss to Bournemouth in early January, Cifuentes’ team hadn’t conceded directly from a set-piece. This seemed to indicate progress in addressing their difficulties defending such situations, which had plagued them earlier in the season.

In his initial 13 games as head coach, QPR had suffered nine goals from set-pieces. However, some adjustments to their zonal marking approach appeared to have made a positive impact.

During the recent match against Norwich, despite the opposition having numerous corners, QPR managed to handle most of them well. Kenneth Paal notably made effective clearances at his near post multiple times.

Nonetheless, Norwich exploited a gap in QPR’s defense early in the second half. After consistently targeting the front post in the first half, they surprised QPR by pulling back a low ball to the penalty area’s center. Jack Colback’s failure to intercept the cross allowed Kenny McLean to score, equalizing the game.

Cifuentes acknowledged his team’s room for improvement in handling such situations but suggested Norwich’s tactic was more strategic than a reflection of QPR’s previous set-piece struggles.

Nevertheless, opponents evidently perceive QPR as vulnerable during free-kicks and corners, indicating a challenge that Cifuentes and his players must address to remain competitive in the Championship.