The monkey is off QPR's back after they landed a first home win since the season’s opening day.
Idrissa Sylla’s winner against Bristol City with a quarter of an hour left brought delight and relief in equal measure for Rs’ who had almost forgotten how to win in front of the Loftus Road faithful.
Here’s our take on a massive three points.
A victory for character
This felt like a big win for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side who simply refused to be derailed by injuries and a number of near misses, showing a spirit not always previously seen this year.
Steven Caulker’s early goal-saving challenge set the tone and all his teammates caught the mood.
Alex Smithies deserves a big hand for his big hands
This was the first clean sheet for for nine games and while the defending was spirited, not for the first time this season Rangers’ No 1 was pivotal with big saves in each half.
The one from Bobby Reid was a stunning effort and came just two minutes before Idrissa Sylla’s winner so was a real game changer.
JFH the new 'Tinkerman'?
Another five changes to his starting line-up means Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is beginning to look like the Championship’s answer to Claudio 'Tinkerman’ Ranieri as the Rs gaffer searches for a winning formula.
That said, one was forced. Jordan Cousins was always likely to come straight back in and Massimo Luongo had probably been rested following the international break, so perhaps the selection was not as radical as it first appeared - and of course it worked.
Who hit the black cat?
Rangers must be wondering how they have offended the footballing gods with the injury plague continuing.
Jordan Cousins’ return lasted less than an hour before he limped off, while Joel Lynch was the latest defender to fall under the curse
With Jake Bidwell and Grant Hall also in the treatment room defensive resources in particular are stretched.
But one man’s misfortune....
...is now an opportunity for Niko Hamalainen.
Just one league appearance before tonight for the teenage Finn, but for a club who waxes long about the need to develop young talent this is a chance to give that mantra real credence.
