text: Christian Benteke's hat-trick secured a vital point for Aston Villa in a thrilling game against relegation rivals QPR. Here, Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell takes us through the player ratings from Tuesday night's match at Villa Park... Aston Villa 4-4-2 (diamond) Brad Guzan 6 . Could not have done much with any of the goals and caught most that came his way. Leandro Bacuna 5.5 . Offered an outlet down the right flank but allowed Hill a free jump for his header. Aston Villa full-back Leandro Bacuna (left) tussles for the ball with QPR midfielder Sandro (right) at Villa Park . QPR midfielder Matty Phillips (centre) dribbles forward with the ball as Fabien Delph (right) gives chase . Ron Vlaar 5.5 . Gave Austin too much space for his strike and looked a little rusty after his spell out. Kieran Clark 6 . Imposed himself with early headers but misplaced the odd pass. Kieran Richardson 5 . Beaten too easily by Phillips for the visitor's third goal. Tom Cleverley 6.5 . Full of energy and linked play down the right before coming off with boot in hand. Carlos Sanchez 6.5 . Swept up at the base of Villa's diamond midfield. Fabian Delph 7 . His usual vibrant self in midfield, driving Villa on and putting in tackles. Jack Grealish 6.5 (Cole 70) Failed to convert an excellent first-half opportunity but did well overall on his first Premier League start. Gabriel Agbonlahor 7.5 . A performance of speed and power that troubled QPR no end in the first half. QPR defender Clint Hill (left) clears the ball ahead of the oncoming Gabriel Agbonlahor (right) on Tuesday . Christian Benteke seals his hat-trick and a vital point for Aston Villa in their battle against relegation . Benteke's late free-kick brought the striker's tally up to 11 goals for the season . Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood reacts during the Premier League game against QPR on Tuesday night . Christian Benteke 8 . His most menacing display all season, and a superb hat-trick. How much might that late free-kick be worth? Tim Sherwood 6.5 . Inspired attacking bravado from his side but will rue not winning this match with the chances and fixtures to come . QPR 4-4-2 . Rob Green 6.5 . Pulled off a number of saves that ultimately averted defeat, and could yet prove crucial. Phillips breaks free off Aston Villa midfielder Kieran Richardson (right) as he impresses at Villa Park . Phillips totted up his sixth assist of the year against Villa and is proving key to Chris Ramsey's side . Aston Villa winger Joe Cole, on as a sub, knocks the ball ahead of QPR defender Steven Caulker on Tuesday . Mauricio Isla 5 . Benteke's first came down his wing and deflected off his boot and Agbonlahor had joy too . Steven Caulker 5 . Won less than half his 11 duels and looked lost during spells in the first half . Nedum Onuoha 5.5 . Troubled in opening period by pace and movement of Villa's attacking trio . QPR defender Hill scores his side's second goal during the thrilling 3-3 draw against Aston Villa on Tuesday . Charlie Austin scores QPR's third goal against Aston Villa and his 17th of the Premier League campaign . Clint Hill 6.5 . A good header at an important time in the match and relatively solid at left-back. Matt Phillips 7.5 . Is fast becoming indispensible for QPR. A well-taken goal and another assist, his sixth of 2015. Joey Barton 6.5 . A nuisance as usual, winning free-kicks and keeping things ticking over. Sandro 6 . Most memorable act was taking out Agbonlahor in build-up to Benteke's second. Niko Kranjcar 5 . Fairly subdued and offered little protection on the left, hooked after 52 minutes. Austin strikers for goal but sees his effort go just wide of Guzan's goal during the 3-3 draw with Aston Villa . Charlie Austin 6.5 . Anonymous in the first half but produced when it mattered late on to take his Premier League tally to 17. Bobby Zamora 6.5 . Managed to make it through 90 minutes despite his ageing limbs and provided a focal point for attacks. Chris Ramsey 6.5 . Adjusted his team smartly as the match continued, making substitutions that affected the game and coming away with a decent point.
target: Christian Benteke's superb hat-trick against QPR secured a vital point for Aston Villa in their fight against relegation .
  Fabian Delph also gave an assured performance for Villa in midfield .
  Matty Phillips is proving similarly key for the Hoops and notched his sixth assist of 2015 .
  Charlie Austin scored his 17th Premier League goal of the campaign .