QPR 2-0 Hull: Chris Willock and Ilias Chair on target as hosts continue resurgence under Marti Cifuentes... with Liam Rosenior losing back-to-back games for the first time as Tigers boss

Goals from Chris Willock and Ilias Chair continued QPR’s winning run against a Hull side who have now lost two in a row for the first time under Liam Rosenior. 

With sixth placed Hull enduring shaky form of late and new manager Marti Cifuentes just last week taking QPR to their first back-to-back wins since April, this seemed like the best time for the West London side to take on a strong-hitter like the Tigers as a test of their newfound resilience.

For QPR fans the match started with a mixture of nerves and cautious optimism. But the Loftus Road faithful turned out in their numbers – almost 17,000 of them – and they enthusiastically applauded their team’s efforts as they pressed high up the pitch and worked relentlessly to win the ball back.

The West London team were rewarded for their efforts right on the stroke of half-time when Chris Willock found himself in space on the edge of the box and drilled the ball into the top right corner. This was the 25-year-old’s third goal in three league games for the Rs, a run he’s bested only once before, and is another indicator of the confidence that Cifuentes has begun to instil in his side.

Hull on the other hand looked happy to retain possession, lending itself to some sloppy play in midfield which Rangers were all too happy to pounce on when the opportunities arose.

And indeed the roof threatened to come off Loftus Road when Jean Michael Seri leisurely passed the ball back to his ‘keeper in the 73nd minute, who got the ball stuck under his feet and lost possession to Willock. 

The first-half goal scorer passed the ball to Chair who was waiting by the penalty spot before he calmly doubled Rangers’ lead.

The sight of Jaden Philogene limping off will unnerve Hull City fans as the 21-year-old has been their best player of the campaign. 

Philogene, who grew up around the corner from Loftus Road in Hammersmith, was kept quiet on an afternoon where QPR kept a third clean sheet under Cifuentes and continued their promising run.