QPR manager Mark Hughes hailed the performance of Joey Barton following the 2-1 victory over Arsenal.
Barton shines in 2-1 home win against Arsenal
Queens Park Rangers manager Mark Hughes hailed the performance of Joey Barton following the 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League.
The Hoops earned a crucial three points in their battle to avoid relegation after overcoming their London rivals thanks to goals from Adel Taarabt and Samba Dikite.
Barton was heavily criticised following his display against Liverpool in QPR's last game at Loftus Road, and has since vented his frustration at a perceived lack of support from the fans.
Hughes said: "I thought Joey was different class today. He got a lot of stick last time out because his performance level wasn't high and he acknowledged that.
"I thought the crowd was great today in terms of how they encouraged him and willed him into a top-class performance. That's what we got from him today.
"He led from the front, broke things up great and understood the momentum of the game. It was an outstanding performance from him and each and every one of them.
"It was a difficult night for Joey (against Liverpool), he accepts that. It was more about today than the Liverpool game to be perfectly honest.
"He fronted up, he was man enough, he put the shirt on and said this is what I'm about, this is what I can do on a football pitch. I was really pleased with him today."
The result means Rangers are now one point off Bolton in 16th and Hughes was happy following a solid performance against a side who had won seven successive league matches coming into the game.
"To a man I thought we were exceptional, in terms of discipline, keeping our shape, having a real understanding of what we worked on during the week," Hughes added.
"Today we were excellent and thoroughly deserved the victory.
"We can only do what we do and look after ourselves. If we play like that from now until the end of the season then we will win more games. We've got to make sure we take care of our own business and what will be will be."
