Peter Crouch struck to give Stoke the lead once more at the start of the second half, but a stunning free kick from Niko Kranjcar two minutes from time earned QPR a share of the spoils.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Loftus Road.

Match statistics

QPR
Shots: 21
On target: 5
Possession: 53%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 6

Stoke
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 47%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 15

Was the result fair?

The stats will tell you that QPR deserved to come away with the three points, but Stoke were minutes away from securing a second away win of the season. Despite the best efforts of both teams, the hosts will be disappointed not to have converted more of their chances and earned the victory.

QPR's performance

The hosts were far from polished, though manager Harry Redknapp can have no complaints with their enthusiasm, energy and persistence. QPR took the game to Stoke and refused to shrink when they went behind at the start of the first half and the beginning of the second. Their attacking play was often one-dimensional, but they kept at it and were rewarded in the end. While his side's willingness to push forward will provide him with encouragement, Redknapp still has a lot of work to do from a defensive point of view. The R's were caught out by the counter-attacking style of Stoke on numerous occasions and were lucky not to have conceded more.

Stoke's performance

This was classic Stoke away from home in that they allowed QPR onto them and counter-attacked when they had the chance. There were impressive displays at the back from the likes of Ryan Shawcross and Erik Pieters, but a moment of magic from Niko Kranjcar ultimately proved to be their undoing. Up front, the Potters broke with plenty of pace and menace as Victor Moses, Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch all linked well. However, Stoke never really got out of second gear on a frustrating afternoon in West London. Despite coming away from Loftus Road with a point, manager Mark Hughes will be bitterly disappointed that his side could not hold on for what would have been a valuable victory.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Victor Moses: The Nigerian international was a constant threat for Stoke, embracing their counter-attacking style with his pace and skill. Moses gave Mauricio Isla a torrid time down the left flank and played an important part in setting up the away team's second goal.

Biggest gaffe

As mentioned above, Mauricio Isla endured a difficult afternoon at right-back for QPR. His most disappointing moment came at the start of the second half when he was dispossessed down on the touchline by Moses, who went on to set up Crouch for Stoke's second goal. The Chilean's defending was poor in that instance as his lack of experience in the Premier League was exposed.

Referee performance

Martin Atkinson had a poor afternoon as a number of bad decisions hampered what was an otherwise enjoyable game. A key moment saw him book Ryan Shawcross for a reckless foul on Niko Kranjcar. Other referees may have brandished a red card, but Atkinson settled for the more lenient outcome.

What next?

QPR: The R's return to action next Saturday when they travel to Southampton in the Premier League.

Stoke: The Potters continue their League Cup campaign on Tuesday with a trip to Sunderland in the third round.