QPR fans have every right to be fuming after what happened v Portsmouth | OneFootball

QPR showed their class in their 6-1 thrashing of Portsmouth, but they have struggled for consistency this season.

As we approach the final seven games of the Championship season, it’s fair to say few clubs can match the inconsistency of QPR over the previous 39.

You could argue the tone was set in pre-season, as the R’s went from losing 6-0 to Spanish second tier side Castellon, to beating Ligue 1 outfit Toulouse in the space of a week.

Of course, those results didn’t matter, and there was an optimism that Julien Stephan could build a stylish, young side that could cause a few surprises this season.

However, heading into the final months, a mid-table finish is on the cards for QPR, which shouldn’t be dismissed as a failure, as it’s important to recognise the Londoners' budget in comparison to others in the league.

QPR have had a very inconsistent season

Yet, there will be a tinge of frustration from the supporters that this group could’ve done more, and, in many ways, that was highlighted by Saturday’s 6-1 thrashing of Portsmouth.

This was QPR at their ruthless best. They attacked with pace and intensity, with Stephan’s men effectively sealing the points inside 30 minutes after two goals from Paul Smyth and one from Rayan Kolli.

When Pompey did pull one back before the break, it could’ve caused anxiety around Loftus Road. Instead, QPR turned it on again, scoring three unanswered goals after the break to record their biggest win of the campaign.

This wasn’t a one-off either. The R’s hammered Leicester 4-1, as well as coming from behind to beat them comfortably away, whilst they did the double over fifth-placed Hull City. Plus, they have won at Wrexham and overcome runaway leaders Coventry.

That demonstrates that QPR are a very good team on their day, and their clinical finishing against Pompey means they have now scored more than automatic promotion hopefuls Millwall.

Unfortunately, the problem for QPR is that whilst they can hand out some big wins, they’re vulnerable to a heavy loss themselves.

A 7-1 defeat to Coventry was the low point of the season, but Middlesbrough, Ipswich and Southampton have all beaten them by at least three goals.

QPR may have missed a big opportunity this season

As outlined above, a mid-table finish is acceptable for QPR given their resources, but this season may have been the one for them to take advantage of the division as a whole.

When you see Millwall pushing for a top two place, Hull in the play-offs and Wrexham and Derby in the mix to finish in the top six, QPR fans will rightly ask why they can’t be in the same position.

The performance against Pompey was proof that they have the quality, and there is a lot of exciting, young talent in Stephan’s squad, with a sprinkling of experienced professionals who have been there and done it.

It’s natural to think they can progress and kick-on, but the 2026/27 Championship season is already shaping up to be ultra-competitive.

Burnley have dominated at this level in recent years, and Wolves will return to the second tier armed with parachute payments and a talented squad after eight years as a Premier League club.

Plus, whoever joins them out of West Ham, Nottingham Forest or Spurs is certain to start the season as favourites for the title.

Of the current sides, it’s hard to imagine Sheffield United won’t improve with Chris Wilder in place for the full season, and Birmingham’s ambitious US owners will continue to put serious funds into the club.

That’s not to say QPR can’t force their way into contention to go up, and the increase of the play-offs to the top eight is obviously going to help, but this season may have been the big opportunity, and when you see how they played against Pompey, it will be a source of frustration that they have lacked the consistency to make this season a memorable one.