QPR 0 West Ham 0: Fluffed penalty shows the weight pressing on Charlie Austin
Austin was in a spot of bother
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Statistics do not always tell the whole story in football, but they sometimes provide clues so obvious even Inspector Clouseau could not fail to notice.
Between them the 11 players Chris Ramsey sent out for Queen’s Park Rangers’ 0-0 draw against West Ham on Saturday had scored 26 goals in 36 league and cup matches, 17 provided by Charlie Austin, nine by the other nine outfielders.
Three of those had come from Austin’s strike partner, the creaking Bobby Zamora. The midfield quartet – Matt Phillips, Joey Barton, Sandro and Karl Henry – had scored four and the defence two.
It is not as if there was the excuse of a lethal goalpoacher being injured: the club’s second top scorer was only able to play the last quarter following injury, but with four goals from 27 games Leroy Fer is not exactly Frank Lampard riding to the rescue.
This leaves an awful lot of responsibility on Austin – too much. This was evident from his failed penalty, bludgeoned towards the legs of Adrian, rather than placed, prompting former Rangers midfielder Jermaine Jenas to observe: “Austin went for power and that’s the nerves telling.”
QPR are now four points adrift of safety and Ramsey added: “Everybody knows how hard it’s going to be to get above that line. Hopefully, we’ll get more midfield players chipping in.”
Ramsey’s counterpart, Sam Allardyce, ought to be looking ahead to next season, with his team in mid-table and untroubled by relegation concerns. But a tailing-off in form post-Christmas has increased doubts about his future, with his contract due to expire in weeks. He was asked what he needs in the summer to make next season even more successful. “A contract,” was the blunt answer.
Sunderland accompany QPR in the bottom three after their 1-1 draw at Stoke City on Saturday, but striker Connor Wickham has every belief they can can beat the drop.
He said: “There are only five games left but, although it is going to be difficult, I think we have more than enough talent to take on the teams we have got to play and get the points we need to stay safe.”
Alan Pardew is hoping defender Joel Ward will be fit for Crystal Palace’s trip to Chelsea next Sunday after missing the 2-0 loss to Hull with a shin injury. “Fingers crossed for Joel,” Pardew said. “He’s an important player for us.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments