In the EFL Cup matchup on 17 September 2024 between Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Crystal Palace, statistical analysis indicates that Crystal Palace’s efficient use of their scoring opportunities was the defining factor in their 2-1 victory. The first goal came early in the first half at 15:08 and set the tone for Palace’s tactical approach. QPR managed to level the score early in the second half at 52:21, briefly realigning the momentum.

Crystal Palace’s decisive goal at 63:27, only 11 minutes after QPR’s equalizer, underlined their capacity to respond swiftly and effectively under pressure. The limited number of shots on target and off-target stats suggest that both teams were selective in their offensive strategies. However, Crystal Palace’s ability to convert key chances was paramount.

Fouls were relatively minimal, with QPR committing 3 and Palace 5. Interestingly, QPR had 5 corner kicks compared to Palace’s 2, a slight advantage which they were unable to capitalize on sufficiently. The offside stats, with Palace caught once and QPR maintaining discipline with zero offside calls, suggest QPR’s strategic positioning was well-rehearsed, though it did not yield the desired outcome.

The discipline of both teams with yellow cards demonstrates a tightly contested match, with QPR having 3 yellow cards versus Palace’s 2. The timing of these cards, particularly around moments of scoring, indicates significant periods of heightened physicality and tactical fouling, which slightly tipped the delicate balance of the game’s rhythm.

In conclusion, while QPR displayed moments of solid teamwork and disciplinary rigour, Crystal Palace’s superior clinical finishing, particularly in transitioning from defense to attack, was the dominant factor contributing to their narrow win. This match underscores the importance of seizing pivotal opportunities and maintaining defensive composure under pressure.

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