QPR leave it late as Chris Willock impresses in deserved victory over Swansea

Chris Willock was the pick of the bunch for an impressive QPR side who’ve all but confirmed a consecutive play-off semi-final for the Swans.

Heading into this fixture, Swansea would’ve been more than confident of keeping up with Watford, but their dreams were shattered after their first-ever loss at home against the Hoops and the Hornets’ fantastic victory over Premiership-bound Norwich.

The Welsh side now find themselves nine points behind Watford with as many points available in the remaining three matches of the campaign.

The Swans started well and the Hoops found themselves on the back-foot with some efforts from distance and heroic last-ditch defending keeping the hosts at bay.

However, a turning point in the match came in the 20th minute when Willock whipped in a great delivery using his weaker foot, but Ilias Chair could only chest the cross onto the woodwork and his rebounded effort was blocked brilliantly by Ryan Bennett.

Chris Willock and QPR were beginning to build their way into the game as 23-year-old’s beautifully weighted pass unlocked the Swans defence to find Chair yet again but his effort was blocked onto the woodwork fantastically by Freddie Woodman.

An even first half with chances for both sides, but the second half was a completely different story.

The Swans were pegged back from the start and there was no way out for the promotion-chasing side who desperately needed a win.

Willock’s incredible engine was vital in this fixture as he didn’t stop running and covered what seemed like every blade of grass on that pitch.

The Arsenal academy product played the second half with confidence and flair; creating chances, finding space and having efforts on goal himself.

Playing as a second striker alongside frontman Lyndon Dykes, the former England U20 international was able to work off the Scotsman’s ariel prowess but was also unafraid of coming into midfield and working as a deep-lying playmaker.

Willock capped off an incredible performance for the visitors as he and Albert Adomah played a neat one-two before the Ghanian international flicked a through ball towards Dykes who was on hand to blast the ball into the back of the net.

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Overall, a great performance from QPR and a well-earned victory in the end with Dykes, Chair and particularly Willock impressing.

After being questioned about his performance in the post-match press conference, R’s boss Mark Warburton said:

“Chris (Willock) tonight was tremendous, I thought Swansea were very scared to touch him, he was driving into the box; A dangerous, dangerous player.”

Despite being 23 years of age, the former Benfica player has been frustrated with the lack of first-team action. With unsuccessful spells at the Portuguese club and West Brom, Willock only made his professional league debut last season with Huddersfield at the age of 22.

Even though he’s still adapting to first-team football and playing in the English league system, it seems that he has a bright future ahead of him.

With Stefan Johansen, Chair and Willock playing together regularly, QPR could be strong contenders for promotion next season and will surely be aiming for the play-offs at least.