Radek Cerny 7/10

Radek improved dramatically throughout the fixture, and as the going got tough Radek got stronger. Had a few shaky moments early on but helped steady the ship with a few key catches - something he needs to persist with.

Matthew Connolly 6/10

Connolly did OK by and large, but was given torrid time by Ashley Young late on as Villa laid siege to the R`s goal. He did well to relieve the pressure in some instances, winning the ball in the air or simply whacking the ball clear. Clearly not an out and out right back, but played is part.

Damien Delaney 7/10

The Irish international had outstanding stamina to make buccaneering runs down the left flank, and join up with some useful interplay with the midfield. He defended well despite the fact that spaces occasionally appeared in behind. By and large a goo performance.

Damion Stewart - 9/10

Absolutely immense at the back, and from being third or even fourth choice central defender at the start of the season, he has made himself undroppable, and is a rejuvenated player under Iain Dowie. His goal was a perfectly planted header as he continues to be billed as a goalscoring central defender. Class act throughout and is building himself a reputation.

Fitz Hall - 8/10

Fitz came back in and gave a commanding performance in the heart of the defence. He dealt with a tricky customer in John Carew with relative ease. He brought the ball out of defence and distributed intelligently.

Emmanuel Ledesma - 7/10

Can perhaps have the criticism levelled at him that he hit the floor a little easy, however Ledesma`s trickery bamboozled the Villa full backs, and if his technique was a little better he could have bagged himself a goal or two in the first period.

Akos Buzsaky - 8/10

Played in the unfamiliar role of left-midfield and came inside many times in search of an opening. With Ledesma doing the same thing it was up to the full backs to fill the void. His movement was impeccable at time, and his distribution excellent. In the same vein as Ledesma, a little more composure would have handed The White Pele a goal.

Gavin Mahon - 8/10

An absolute rock, Gavin Mahon battled harder than I`ve ever seen in the middle in order to stifle the international creativity of Gareth Barry. His goal was achieved as he took the ball back for Rangers and moved it on to the creative players. Both in the air and on the floor Gavin was all over the situation.

Martin Rowlands - 7/10

His creativity in the middle was excellent once more, and was a real link between midfield and attack. There were moments where he could have driven on and bagged a goal, but opted to sit a little more which isn`t his style. He did very well in his role however and was a major contributer to the cause.

Daniel Parejo - 8/10

In the first period Daniel did OK without ever really excelling, his passing style was relaxed, a little too much at times, and he couldn`t probe for an opening. In the second half Dani shone and showed R`s fans what he`s made of. His commitment to the cause was something rarely seen from the Spanish starlet. His creativity, quick thinking and excellent passing carved out the chance for the R`s victory.

Patrick Agyemang - 6/10

Pat worked his socks off upfront and had a difficult task to deal with Zat Knight and Carlos Cuellar on his own. He was a tad out of his depth at times and never looked like scoring, but nevertheless played his part.

Samuel Di Carmine - 6/10

Replaced Patrick Agyemang The Fiorentina loanee was granted his chance after some good reserve performances, but he never really got into the fixture, despite threatening to do so on several occasions. He put a shaky defence under a lot of pressure and bought some time towards the end.

Mikele Leigertwood - 6/10

Replaced Akos Buzsaky Gave another commanding presence in the middle and was designed to effectively tread on the toes of the defence, taking up a deep midfield role - largely anonymous.

Angelo Balanta - 6/10

Replaced Emmanuel Ledesma Never really had a chance to make an impact, but looked strong on the ball as Rangers sought to keep possession in the latter stages. Did well and a performance that promised something for the future.

Manager Rating

Iain Dowie 8/10 - Spot on with his first team, made the right decision to go attacking instead of persisting with Mikele Leigertwood. He introduced the right subs at the right times and was tactically sport on - His best game so far by a country mile. Well Done Dowie!   (www.qpr.vitalfootball.co.uk)