Rabat– Moroccan midfielder Ilias Chair was the standout performer as Queens Park Rangers (QPR) delivered a commanding 4-0 victory over Derby County at Loftus Road.
Chair scored twice in a match that marked a much-needed turnaround for QPR, who had suffered two consecutive defeats prior to this clash.
The Morocco international opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, firing a rocket past the diving Derby goalkeeper into the corner. Chair’s goal came after he pressured Rams midfielder Ebou Adams into a mistake, retrieving the ball from Michael Frey before smashing it beyond Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.
Chair’s second goal came more than half an hour into the second half, securing the win for the hosts. A fine move from Yang Min-Hyeok set up Chair at the near post, and the Moroccan made no mistake in finishing for his second goal of the game, putting QPR out of sight.
QPR boss Marti Cifuentes commended Chair’s performance, saying, “I think Ilias is one of the best players in the league. I’m pleased that today he scored two goals, he’s not too happy with me because he wanted the hat-trick and I subbed him.”
“He’s a fantastic player and it’s a bit sad that we missed him for such a long time at the beginning of the season,” he added.
“He had two big injuries after being so reliable in his career. I’m happy that he’s back and he’s performed well, and not only him but all of the players are doing really well,” concluded Cifuentes.
Chair, who has missed a significant portion of the season due to injury, has now started the last 11 matches in all competitions.
Having primarily played as a left-winger under Cifuentes, Chair’s role has evolved in recent weeks. He started in a central attacking position during the 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers and has remained in that role for the two matches that have followed.
