Football League Talking Points: QPR's Tjaronn Chery slammed
Monday 28 September 2015 13:50, UK
From Middlesbrough's winning streak to QPR's woeful derby showing, Andy Hinchcliffe looks at five Football League talking points.
The Sky Sports expert talks us through the major issues from the weekend, including Reading's rise up the Championship table.
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Boro clicking into gear
After a stuttering start to the season, Middlesbrough have hit their stride in recent weeks.
Aitor Karanka's side have won seven in a row in all competitions, conceded a league-low five goals and are just a point behind Championship leaders Brighton following their 3-0 victory over Leeds on Sunday.
HINCHCLIFFE SAYS: "What has impressed me most is that lessons have been learnt from last season. Aitor Karanka knew he had a very strong defensive unit but they didn't have the creative players that you need to make a big difference. The players they have signed have added that: Stewart Downing, David Nugent and Christian Stuani .
"I spoke to Grant Leadbitter after the play-off final last year and he told me they'd be stronger next year. He had that look in eyes which made me believe him. His performances this season have epitomised that. That strength of mind and character started at the final whistle at Wembley.
"I'd be amazed if they finish out of the top two."
Royals win on the road again
Like Middlesbrough, Reading have had a strong month, especially away from home.
Their 2-1 weekend win over Burnley was their fifth successive victory on the road and saw them move up to third in the Championship.
HINCHCLIFFE SAYS: "They've gone under the radar but clearly they've spent some money and got some good players. Steve Clarke has said he's not messing about this season and this league is right for them to do well. There are so many teams that are similar and Reading have brought in two or three players that have given them the edge. When you have players like Hal Robson Kanu and Nick Blackman you have players that have a real cutting edge.
"Those players will be the difference to those teams in mid-table and those that finish in the top six. If you can sort yourselves out defensively in the Championship you can go a long way. With Steve it's a mentality of his way or the highway and the players have bought into it."
Dons going downhill
After starting the season with two wins from their first three matches, it's all gone pear-shaped for newly-promoted MK Dons lately.
The 3-1 defeat to Derby on Saturday was their fifth league loss in a row and again they were profligate in front of goal, hitting the target with just four of 26 attempts.
They are now in the bottom three along with fellow new boys Preston and Bristol City.
HINCHCLIFFE SAYS: "I'm not sure there's anything majorly wrong with MK Dons. Karl Robinson played an expansive game in League One but it's the step up in quality in the Championship - teams punish you. It is the right way for Karl to play. It's his way, playing open and attractive football.
"Shutting up shop or playing five at the back isn't his way, so you leave yourself open to what the opposition can do to you. They've come up against some decent sides too, who have a lot of quality. MK Dons have got good players. They must keep the faith. If they stick to their principles, they'll turn it round. Survival is key for them."
QPR lack derby fight
It was a night to forget for everyone connected with QPR on Friday evening as they suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Fulham.
The away fans started to turn on Chris Ramsey after he replaced Tjaronn Chery midway through the first-half and the player subsequently went straight down the tunnel.
HINCHCLIFFE SAYS: "That first 45 minutes from Fulham was the best I've seen a Championship side play this season. They were outstanding but the writing was on the wall early on. The first goal QPR conceded was poor. QPR have a lot of experienced players and they should have stopped the opposition from playing. There didn't seem any motivation to close down and work as a team. Their attitude seemed like they were going through the motions. But this was a derby!
"Clearly Fulham were at it, with and without the ball. Huge credit to them but QPR had no desire to get the ball back. If players don't run about, then you haven't got a hope. The lack of appetite for the game was alarming. The very least you expect from a team in any game is application and it was lacking.
"Chery's actions were despicable. It was an example of a player thinking it's all about him. It's not about you. It's about your manager, your team and the QPR fans. I'm sure there will be some disciplinary action. Individuals can't behave like that. It was painful to watch. Hopefully he'll learn his lessons."
Dijkhuizen axed
Championship side Brentford have announced that they have sacked head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen and his assistant Roy Hendriksen.
Lee Carsley has been named the new head coach and will hold the role until at least the end of the season.
HINCHCLIFFE SAYS: "It seems as though they have wasted everything that Mark Warburton built there. What a ludicrous decision that was. It's been a disaster. Letting go of Jonathan Douglas because he didn't fit the new method of recruiting players was another bad call. It's all just gone horribly wrong. I wondered if this method was going to work. I would have been amazed if it had.
"Lee is a proper footballing man who knows his stuff and has been around the game for a long time. Brentford now have plenty of the season remaining to sort themselves out."
