A nightmare start for Derby's new manager
QPR 4 - 0 Derby County
Derby County endured a humbling return to the Championship relegation zone after a crushing defeat at QPR in John Eustace’s first game back in charge.
A stunning strike from Ilias Chair set the tone before Koki Saito’s second goal of the season gave the hosts full control by half-time. Chair then doubled his tally from close range, and Ronnie Edwards marked his loan spell from Southampton with a debut goal, heading in QPR’s fourth.
Jerry Yates thought he had grabbed a late consolation, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside, as Marti Cifuentes’ side emphatically ended a run of two successive defeats.
Eustace’s nightmare start
The new managee barely had time to settle back into the dugout following his move from Blackburn Rovers, confirmed just a day earlier, before witnessing his side’s frailties exposed.
After a quiet opening spell, Derby fell behind to a spectacular long-range effort from Chair—his first goal of the season—after he forced Rams midfielder Ebou Adams into an error, exchanged passes with Michael Frey, and unleashed an unstoppable shot beyond Jacob Widell Zetterström.
Adams nearly made amends minutes later, volleying just over the bar during a promising spell for the visitors. But their momentum was short-lived, as Saito capitalised on Zetterström’s parry from Chair’s driven cross-shot to fire home QPR’s second.
The hosts could have extended their lead before the break, with Steve Cook heading narrowly wide, while Kenneth Paal produced a vital block to thwart Nathaniel Mendez-Laing at the other end.
How QPR turned the screw
Cifuentes’ side maintained their intensity after the restart, and Marcus Harness briefly threatened to spark a Derby fightback, forcing a strong save from Paul Nardi.
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However, any lingering hopes for the visitors were crushed just after the hour mark. Chair capped off a slick move orchestrated by Yang Min-Hyeok, slotting home at the near post for his second of the night.
Edwards then piled on the misery, heading in Paal’s inswinging free-kick as Eustace’s return unravelled.
Yates had a late opportunity to salvage some pride but fired wide from close range. He eventually found the net, only for VAR to rule him offside—an apt conclusion to a chastening night for the Rams.
This heavy defeat leaves Derby deep in trouble, while QPR’s dominant display offers hope of a late-season resurgence.
