Swansea City climbed into the Championship's top 10 as Zan Vipotnik's contentious penalty proved the difference in a 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers. Ronald had given the Swans an early lead by capitalising on a defensive error, and although QPR set up a tense finish, Vitor Matos's side held on for what was ultimately a somewhat fortuitous win given the nature of their decisive goal.
The result lifted Swansea to 10th, having registered successive league away wins for the first time in a year, while Rangers dropped to 12th with their winless run stretched to four matches. It was a forgettable night for QPR captain Steve Cook, whose early mix-up gifted Swansea the opener on what was his 100th and most likely final appearance for the club.
A Nightmare Start for Cook and Rangers
It had been announced on the eve of the game that veteran defender Cook would leave QPR when his contract expires this summer, and the 35-year-old was handed the armband and a rousing reception by the home fans on what was his 100th appearance in three seasons at Loftus Road. The former Premier League player, who made 180 top-flight appearances for Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest before joining Rangers in 2023, could hardly have dreamed of a worse send-off.