Leeds United came to Loftus Road aiming to banish a few ghosts from last year but were instead spooked inside half-an-hour. Daniel Farke was handed a dose of deja vu, leading to him regretting his pre-match decision.
The United boss said he was up until the early hours mulling over whether to play Wilfried Gnonto and Ilia Gruev in place of Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rothwell. He eventually made his choice and stuck to type - no changes.
His dream of a fast start turned into a nightmare when Aaronson’s lazy pass was punished by Koki Saito in style within 17 minutes. Steve Cook then headed home after some sloppy defending to really put Leeds fans in jitters.
Memories of last season came flooding back, when Leeds found themselves two down within 22 minutes before going on to succumb to a 4-0 defeat and throw away hopes of automatic promotion.
That day, Farke waited until the 63rd-minute to make a substitution. Not this time. Gnonto came on for a downcast Aaronson at half-time and he made an instant impact with his side now just a goal down.
Manor Solomon’s cross had flicked off the backtracking Morgan Fox to give Leeds hope of a resurrection four minutes before the break. That’s now two deliveries that have led to own goals in as many matches, as it happens.
But the day belonged to Gnonto, whose neat through-ball led to the equaliser. His pass fed Daniel James, and his cross saw Solomon force a great close-range save from QPR goalkeeper Paul Nardi before Jayden Bogle prodded home his fifth of the season.
It proved a point many United supporters had been underscoring for many games now - that rotation is not a bad thing, boss. As mentioned before, Farke nearly rang in a few changes before backtracking. But that would have been a rare occurrence, anyway.
The Whites boss had only made one change in the matches following the Sheffield United win, rotating Rothwell and Gruev in and out. The lack of rotation and the reluctance to then use the bench has frustrated supporters in light of a draw with West Brom, a defeat to Portsmouth and now a tie with QPR.
That’s now one win in four matches, and five points out of a possible 12. It’s easy to see why some supporters are sharing concern. They will point to Gnonto’s performance as evidence for their push for Farke to either rotate or make quicker substitutions - or both.
But that is also why there is no need for panic at United. The depth of quality Farke possesses in his squad is the envy of every other Championship manager.
Many of them who have faced Leeds have noted the strength of the bench. Nearly all are tipping them for promotion, including QPR boss Marti Cifuentes, who went further, saying: “I hope they go up,” citing the pain of last year’s play-off final defeat.
On paper, Farke has the best squad in the league. Their mission is to prove that on the pitch. Leeds went 17 games unbeaten before the defeat to Portsmouth, a phenomenal effort.
After the win over Sheffield United, Farke could argue his ploy of only tinkering with the team was justified - but the win was sparked by his substitutions 10 minutes after half-time.
In the three games afterwards, his earliest substitution was on 68 minutes. Just four points were yielded from them.
Saturday was proof that fresh legs can change games and perhaps destinies. Farke has to utilise his ranks or risk burnout. The front four have started every league game in 2025.
Daniel James and Solomon have not scored or assisted in three outings, Joel Piroe in four matches and Aaronson, eight.
The two goals conceded initially were down to mental fatigue and perhaps the reason why Leeds failed to find a winner was down to physical tiredness. Just two substitutions were made, one of which, again, was late on.
Largie Ramazani offered pace on the left when he entered the fray, but only had six minutes to do so. Some habits have to be killed. Because this Leeds squad is too good to fall short.
United failing to claim a spot two spot would be unacceptable. Not gaining promotion would be unforgiveable.
Farke has always underlined that he needs his whole squad, and not just a team, to gain promotion. It’s time for his in-game decisions to reflect that.
But let’s take a step back. Leeds have lost just four games all season, are top of the table and have a favourable run in. United have 14 different goalscorers and 13 different assist-providers.
The Whites have gained results against the teams they faltered against during last year’s final sprint - Blackburn Rovers, Watford, Coventry City, Sunderland and QPR.
Ethan Ampadu is still to return for the run-in with Max Wober and Patrick Bamford due to be back before him. Things really aren’t that bad.
Of course, things could always get worse and it’s that fear, after last year, that is driving the anxiety. It’s down to Farke to exorcise those demons, and he knows that. One method is clearly to use more of the assets at his disposal.
