Swansea give R's whipping

Match Report: Swansea 4-1 QPR

Just when you thought Rangers' defence had tightened up a bit under Harry and that scoring goals would be the key to us staying up, this happened.

When Swansea and Rangers came up together from the Championship two seasons ago, it was a not uncommon view that QPR would stay in the Premiership for the long haul while the Welshmen would struggle to sustain their status as they were still very much a work in progress and lacking the finances of the boys from W12, particularly after the arrival of Tony Fernandes. Since then, both teams have done their absolute best to turn this reasonable logic on it’s head.  Swansea have spent wisely and under consecutive ‘bright young thing’ managers have created a system of retaining possession and a cutting edge, allied with a reasonable sturdiness at the back. QPR have spent like a gambler in Vegas, with each long shot punt looking more forlorn than the last.

This was an invaluable trip for learning Welsh. I even know how to say "you're rich and you're effing shit" now!

Rangers started without the injured Remy and Fabio and looked set up to soak pressure and try and sneak a set piece goal to win it. This lasted five minutes before Michu mishit home a shot spilled by Cesar and then the R's completely imploded when 12 minutes later local hero Angel Rangel did the same thing. Cesar has been the shining light in recent weeks for the R's and proved an extremely dependable last line of defence, but he was flappy here and clearly uncomfortable with pass backs which he was repetitively sold by his frail defence in front of him - it was revealed after the game that Cesar had played with an injury sustained against Norwich, which won't have helped and it is questionable whether it was a good idea to play him from the outset. For the rest of the half QPR had no Plan B and with Derry and Mbia willingly conceding ground allowed Swansea to totally dictate the game with the inevitable ‘tippy tappy’ Jacks enjoying themselves without even having to try - particularly when twisting and turning around  the statues of Clint Hill and Armand Traore. Reflecting at half time, the only two efforts on goal Rangers had created were a wild blast from Taarabt long after the whistle had been blown for which he was booked and a set piece culminating in a header from Onouha that ended up further away from the goal than it had started. That was it, absolutely diabolical. A similar first half performance to that in the Norwich home game, only more damaging.

In fairness to Redknapp, he responded at half time, bringing on Zamora and Granero for Derry and the anonymous Jamie Mackie (who couldn't seem to decide whether he was a striker or winger). Within two minutes it was ‘game on’ as this time Vorm did the spilling: Taarabt shot from 25 yards and Zamora was quickest to react and scored with a tap in. This was but a fleeting moment as the sea of dross and ineptitude was resumed as Pablo Hernandez waltzed his way through the right side of QPRs defence and scored with what looked like a cross. Cesar, after single-handedly keeping Chelsea, Spurs and Man City at bay in recent weeks, was having a stinker. Apparently this was the first time three Spaniard’s have scored for the same team in the Premier League.

Compared to the limpness of the first half, there was just a fraction more conviction about Rangers and when Townsend’s cross was deliberately handled in the box by Williams there appeared to be an opportunity to get back into the game again (last week’s penalty miss notwithstanding). But referee Swarbrick and his assistants couldn’t or wouldn’t so didn’t and from the resulting corner Mbia had a goal-bound shot turned off the line.

A couple of weeks ago we saw Swansea begin pursuing innovative ways of breaking down opposing team’s momentum through time wasting tactics with the infamous ballboy/Hazard incident. Today saw three ball changes because they were not inflated to satisfactory levels for total football and a ridiculous amount of feigned head injuries that all added to Rangers' frustration.

On 67 minutes the away end half emptied as Michu shrugged off £13m man mountain Samba (how?) and poked home the fourth with ease. With the game long over and Swansea already thinking of Wembley in a fortnight, QPR began to play and eventually created chances: Taarabt curled around the post and SWP (introduced in a lightweight for lightweight exchange with Jenas) hit the bar on 90+2.

Swansea looked like a decent outfit but were made to look better by Rangers being toothless, set-up wrong and playing incredibly badly. In all probability this was always on the cards as the moment Bunn saved Taarabt’s penalty last week heads dropped as they realised that the size of the task was too daunting and they couldn’t be arsed anyway. Next up, Manchester United!

Man of the match: Miguel Michu continues to stun everyone in the Premier League and proved as he did on the opening day against Rangers where he announced his arrival to English (Welsh) football just what a class act he is. I can't see the Swans holding on to him for much longer, but at least he'll win them a first major trophy. 

A huge outlay but still nil return

Match Review: QPR 0-0 Norwich

After another Transfer Deadline Day with no shortage of drama at Loftus Road and more silly prices and wages being dished out to more 'has been' players or players way out of our league if it wasn't for the money, there is still no change in luck on the pitch for the hopeless Hoops, as they squandered another opportunity for three points that, looking at the fixture list ahead, they really needed to take.

Deadline day signings Andros Townsend (who I personally have never rated having seen him go on loan to almost every Championship club and look every bit an average Championship player) replaced the completely off the boil Granero, whilst Christopher Samba replaced Toronto bound Ryan Nelsen. The other changes were forced by injuries to Nedum Onuoha, who has produced his best displays in a blue and white hooped shirt since returning from compassionate leave, and Loïc Rémy, the striker whose goals we have pinned all of our survival hopes on. In came SWP whilst Fabio was switched to right back. 

Both sides came into the game short of goals and with Rémy injured, Rangers started with Jamie Mackie as their lone striker which looked toothless and a negative set up even before it began. Norwich had their signing Becchio on the bench with part-time traffic island Grant Holt starting up top for them.

The first half was instantly forgettable. A low quality affair served up by two nervous teams. Amongst the yawns, the few moments of quality came through Taarabt for Rangers and Snodgrass for the Canaries, who looked a real quality player, but then again so do most wingers when they face Armand Traore! Neither keeper made any saves of note with off target long range efforts, scuffed shots and weak headers the order of the day. Mbia was booked on a totting up basis for a number of silly tugs to further break up any vaguely coherent moves. Free kicks were conceded in non-threatening positions and the quality of delivery from all set pieces was poor. Despite the low key proceedings and lack of any controversy whatsoever, motor-mouth Holt still found it necessary to confront headmaster referee Jon Moss as they walked off at half time.

The second half just had to be an improvement and it was. Rangers were much more positive and on 46 minutes Garrido conceded a cheap free kick to SWP. Taarabt's delivery was much improved but, not for the last time, the lack of determination to get on the end of it meant that it sailed through the six yard box without anyone getting a vital touch. But it wasn't all at one end and QPR's fragile defence needed Julio Cesar to make a fabulous one-handed reaction save to keep out Wes Hoolahan's close-range flicked effort. Cesar also made a decent stop from Bradley Johnson. Norwich were committed and niggly but gradually QPR began to get on top. The game's pivotal moment arrived in the 55th minute. Jamie Mackie, isolated and muted all game, found himself chasing a poor backpass by Garrido and was fouled by keeper Mark Bunn for a penalty. Ironically, Rangers' only other penalty this season was at Norwich away, where Cisse's effort was saved before Zamora scored the rebound. Sadly, Taarabt's shot was too close to the diving Bunn and this time the effort was turned round the post. Taarabt held his head in his hands, knowing the golden chance had gone, and as often happens when something doesn't go right for him in a game, he lost his way a little. He did still manage another couple of efforts, a free kick and a driven shot but as he faded from the game, so did QPR. Townsend showed some good energy down the left and with Zamora introduced for SWP had a different kind of target to aim for. Admittedly, Zamora actually looked more of a handful than the disinterested man who said he plays football 'because it is my job' before his injury, and his introduction did seem to cause Norwich to become very physical and pick up bookings for rash challenges. Jermaine Jenas and Tal Ben Haim came on for Mbia and Fabio as Harry tried his utmost to give Norwich different questions to answer but Rangers offered nothing in the way of a killer pass and were always short of bodies in the box. 

And so it ended 0-0, an improved second half offering some entertainment, but not disguising two teams low on confidence and out of form. The new boys did well but the lack of attacking threat and Norwich's lack of ambition meant that a stalemate was always likely. It's not quite all over yet for Rangers,  but games are running out and the gap is not narrowing. The immediate worry has to be just how long Rémy and Onuoha will be out of action. 

Man of the match: I still can't look beyond Julio Cesar as his exceptional shot stopping continues to ensure the clean sheets on which the unbeaten league run this year is founded. "Triffic" stuff from QPR's first ever Brazilian international.

Rangers Cesar point from the champions

Match Review: QPR 0-0 Manchester City

It is staggering to think that QPR fans have only seen eight home league goals this season, but given the circumstances and the season so far I think solid defensive shut-outs and points against the big boys are more welcome than entertainment value right now. As we discovered on transfer deadline day this week, value for money is something QPR don't deliver in any department anyway!

Coming in to this fixture QPR were on a reasonable run of league form , 1 win and 2 draws so far in 2013, albeit with only 2 goals scored but a miserly 1 conceded. Manchester City, on the other hand, had won all 3 fixtures since the turn of the year, scoring 7 to nil against. The R's team was much changed from the McCup humiliation and bizarrely included 2 keepers on the bench, a nice subtle 'I'm down to the bare bones' message from Harry ahead of his second favourite date of the calendar year (the other being 31st August).

In swirling misty rain the game started pretty evenly with most of QPR's play going through Taarabt while City had more possession and attacked in particular down the left hand side. Mbia had his customary early injury scare and lie down before the Champions really began to ask the questions. A succession of inswinging corners were dealt with, some less comfortably than others. It took 16 minutes until Man City played their way through with Aguero getting round the side of Nelsen and attacking the box with a low cross put behind by Hill. Corners continued to rain in from Milner and Silva with Cesar punching or more precisely flapping when under pressure. At the end of this sequence Milner broke in from the left, Silva attracted all 4 of QPRs markers and then when Zabaleta was picked out instead he had acres of space but only hit the bar with his header. Makeshift City centre half Javi Garcia then hit a screamer from fully 35 yards which faded just off target. Later in the half Taarabt barrelled his way through in a counter attacking move and forced Hart to rush out to save. This was a rare moment as by now the R's game plan of soaking up pressure and hoping for Taarabt to slip something through to Remy on the break was obvious. The slick interplay, attacking flair and incredible ball retention of the City players, particularly that of David Silva, showed the gulf in class between the two sides. It was a City onslaught and a goal looked certain.

Mbia, freshly booked for clipping Clichy, lost his footing and Tevez attacked. He found Aguero who hit his shot firm and true but it was turned round by a wonder save from Cesar.  Part 1 was completed at 0-0. Given this was against the Champions, against the wind and effectively with 10 men (as Granero seemed, at times, to be conspiring with his fellow Spaniards Garcia and Silva who had basically run the game), this was no mean feat.

The second half was more of the same but with three slight twists; QPR began to play with a bit more attacking intent and made some chances, referee Dowd started going all 'Big Team' bias and City began to look frustrated. Granero got booked and Remy opened his body to attempt a curler that went too high and wide, but it was still mostly City in the ascendancy. Dzeko was introduced for Nasri but Cesar continued to repel all efforts. Mbia had his second lie down of the evening and when fouled again on 77 minutes Rangers had a slightly off-centre free kick 25 yards out - ideal Taarabt territory. Unfortunately, and not for the first time this season, Granero exerted his seniority and blasted high and wide, prompting angry waving and boos from the terraces. Shortly after Hart had been teased by the crowd for his shampoo endorsements came the first of two controversial penalty claims, one for each side. On 73 minutes Remy was brought down in the box as he cut in from the right but Dowd ignored the appeals (a look at the replay revealed that Remy certainly made the most of it, which perhaps was what made the referee's mind up). On 87 minutes Onuoha looked to foul City bench warmer Scott Sinclair at the far end, but again, with a strong suspicion of evening things out, it wasn't given. In between Cesar had produced another pergunto salvar (that's Brazilian for wonder save) from Silva. Three subs from Harry (Park, Faurlin and Zamora) saw out the 4 minutes of added time. A clean sheet was the least Nelsen deserved on his last appearance and it was down to the stunning efforts of Cesar that this was achieved.

In my calculation of 36, 37, 38 or however many points for safety, I had nothing down for this one, so it represents a good point. Norwich on Saturday, however, will see a whole different level of expectation. Especially with the teams around us continuing to match or better our positive results!

Man of the match: As suggested by the title, it has to be the one Mark Hughes signing who has really lived up to his reputation (well at least in recent weeks). Julio Cesar has frustrated some of the world's best footballers in the last few weeks, conceding just once in the league since the turn of the year. Here he turned in another heroic display, with stunning saves from Barry in the first half and Silva in the second here. 

Weekend Review: Anything the League Cup can do...

Well the FA Cup has had to up it's game this year just to compete with the unexpected marvel that has been the Capital One Cup this year. It was hard to imagine anything being able to top Bradford City's phenomenal run to Wembley this year from the fourth tier of English football but the FA Cup did spring a few surprises on fourth round weekend ...


Norwich 0-1 Luton: we've always heard about the famous giant killings of the FA Cup like Sutton v Coventry, and Hereford against Newcastle and this Luton Town victory certainly ranks up at the top with these results. There are 85 places and four divisions between these 2 sides. Just to reiterate Luton are a non-league team, and they've just beaten a Premier League side who at the moment are the 13th best side in the country. This is an amazing result and I feel a little bit sorry for Luton as their story would be given so much more limelight had Bradford not got to the League Cup final in the same week. Here are some of the stats about this result: this was the first victory for a non-league side against a team in the top division since Sutton in 1989, it was the first time in 27 years a non-league side have beaten a top flight team away from home, and it was the first time a non-league side have beaten a team in the top tier since 1949. What an achievement. This match would probably fit the definition of a smash and grab victory, which you would expect in these circumstances. Luton only had 32% possession throughout the game and had just two shots on target, but they outgunned Norwich on that stat that matters: goals. They also put in 18 more tackles over the 90 minutes than their counterparts (11 to 29). Luton were hungrier, pure and simple. The goal emphasised that as Scott Rendell bust a gut to nip in front of Norwich's defence to turn the ball home. It is a great story for a team that have had little to celebrate in recent years (similar to Bradford really). In 2005 Luton were a Championship side, but three consecutive relegations from 2006-2009 has seen them in the Conference ever since. The side took an incredible 4000 fans to Carrow Road and it would take a cold hearted man not to feel pleased for this club, they deserve their moment in the sun and long may their journey continue!

Brentford 2-2 Chelsea: one of the bigger shocks this weekend occurred at Griffin Park. Amid amazing scenes little known striker Fernando Torres actually scored! Seriously though this was another genuinely shocking result in reality when a £50m striker has to rescue the European champions from losing to a side in the third division in England. The pitch at Brentwood was definitely a leveller and with the fervent crowd packed into this historic ground this game was clearly not one that some of Chelsea's highly paid stars relished. It was clear again that it simply meant more to Brentford than to Chelsea. This was billed as the Bees against the Honeypot, and Brentford played extremely well. It is easy to see why Uwe Rosler is a highly rated manager as he seemed to get his tactics spot on in this game. He pinpointed Chelsea's lack of pace in defence with the likes of Terry and Ivanovic and geared his side up to counter attack, particularly using the pace of Harry Forrester who was always a thorn in Chelsea's side. Rosler has been linked with Championship jobs such as the vacancy at Barnsley and its not hard to see why. His star will only continue to rise if he can show such tactical nouse again in the replay at Stamford Bridge.

Millwall 2-1 Aston Villa: what a terrible week to be an Aston Villa fan. Two defeats inside of a week to lower league opposition. Their side sit just one place above the relegation zone and have now exited both domestic cup competitions within a week. This loss will arguably sting less than the Bradford one but its still a big blow and can do nothing but damage to their already brittle confidence. Worryingly for Villa this was not a game they bossed and were unlucky to lose either. They had slightly more possession than Millwall over the 90 with 51% possession but they had just 4 shots during the entire game compared to the Lions' 12. They conceded yet again from a corner to a Danny Shittu header and eventually succumbed to an 89th minute winner from John Marquis. You have to wonder what is next for Villa and its hard to see them bouncing back quickly from this week. They have a young side and really could have done with a confidence boosting win against the Londoners. Instead Paul Lambert is now left with the unenviable task of trying to pick his players up off the floor and instilling in them the grit to succeed in their relegation dogfight this season. Villa fans are beginning to call for Lambert's sacking but the question is: is there anyone that could do a better job with that group of players? We're not sure but it seems unlikely. It looks like being a pivotal week in Villa's season though either way we will find out what their character is like.

Other results: as we're sure you can appreciate it was hard to put in a mention for every shock result this week. Plaudits have to go to Oldham for their brilliant 3-2 victory over Liverpool as forward Matt Smith starred in a bullying performance that put Coates in the centre of Liverpool's defence to shame. Leeds for their 2-1 victory over Spurs and also to MK Dons for their sensational 4-2 victory away at QPR (which will be mentioned below in a bit more detail). Macclesfield Town's dream run was finally ended by Wigan in a hard-fought 0-1 victory at the Moss Rose, while Brighton  ran Arsenal extremely close in an excellent cup tie that ended in a 2-3 victory to the Gunners.

We know we've harped on about it a lot but it really does seem like this year, underdogs have been spurred on by what we'd like to call the 'Bradford Effect'. Bradford have shown other lower league clubs it is possible to beat Premier League teams combined with the performance of promoted teams like Swansea and Norwich as they've stepped straight up to the Premier League has shown teams that the gap is closing. We say long may it continue!

Round up of our teams

J was at Old Trafford to see Man Utd canter to an easy 4-1 victory over a timid Fulham side in the FA Cup Fourth Round. United never looked back after a third minute Ryan Giggs penalty. There was enough time to show Sam Allardyce that contrary to his beliefs, he's not always right, and United don't always get penalties at Old Trafford for anything as Damien Duff clearly handled the ball again in the box not long after the first penalty was (rightly) awarded against Aaron Hughes for another clear handball. United controlled the game from start to finish and Fulham rarely threatened as Phil Jones in particular impressed in a dominating game at centre back as he won every header he seemed to compete in. Wayne Rooney's goal just after the break killed off the game and showcased him at his powerful best, while Chicharito's double further emphasised the depth of United's striking options. All in all this was a powerful performance from the Red Devils, and one of their better performances this season, arguably.

As mentioned above C's QPR suffered a humiliating 2-4 humbling at the hands of League One side MK Dons. Dons had just 6 shots to Rangers' 20 and had less possession of the football and still managed to show up their troubled opponents. This game showed Rangers' dearth of viable options in the side as high paid stars like Anton Ferdinand were shown up time and again. This game looks like being Ferdinand's last for Rangers before an apparent loan move to Bursaspor in Turkey and I'm sure C and many other R's fans will not be sad to see him go. Judging by 'Arry's scathing criticism of his players after the game, he might not be the only player to see the exit at Loftus Road this week. 'Arry has a lot to do before Deadline Day, you feel.

Crewe lost disappointingly to Bournemouth at  the Goldsands Stadium. A Brett Pitman hat-trick saw off the Alex in a 3-1 loss. The result wasn't a huge surprise considering Bournemouth have only lost 1 game in the 18 they've played since Eddie Howe took the reigns over again, and that loss was against Wigan in the FA Cup Third Round replay. Crewe however, haven't won in 3 and could do with reversing their slump sooner rather than later.

Once you've caught your breath enjoy the round of League games this week and we'll be back soon!

C&J

46 across, 1 down?

Match Report: West Ham 1-1 QPR

Rangers fans will be very satisfied to have come away with a point from the Boleyn Ground, after the Hammers banged at the door relentlessly throughout this ding dong derby.

QPR headed to West Ham for their third league derby game in a row with Loïc Rémy making his debut with a midfielder (Ji-Sung Park) sacrificed to accommodate him. West Ham started brightly mixing attacks through Cole (of the Joe variety) and Jarvis down the wings with direct balls into central areas for their debutante Chamakh to compete against Hill and Nelsen. After just 6 minutes one such attack down the right saw Diame get to the bye-line and play a low dangerous ball all the way across the goal line and out the other side. Cesar saved with his legs, as often appears the case.

Bubbles and snowflakes everywhere

Rangers were meanwhile growing into the game and on two occasions Rémy was flagged offside when running onto through balls from Taarabt. On 14 minutes this combination worked again to deadly effect with Rémy timing his run perfectly and crisply driving past Jaaskelainen for one nil from the edge of the area. A very confident finish which had the Rangers fans instantly singing his name and echoed of Djibril Cisse's debut goals away at Aston Villa last season where investment in a new striker paid immediate dividends. 

I would go as far as saying that Rangers continued to be the marginally better side for the next fifteen minutes following the goal with Taarabt strutting well creating half chances for SWP and Mackie and drawing a booking for a foul by Tomkins. On half an hour Chamakh decided he would audition for Splash but as with each of the previous two derbies, where Bertrand (Chelsea) and Lennon (Spuds) attempted laughable theatrics, the referee failed to punish with a booking.

West Ham were now on the charge and getting plenty of men in the box with Nolan heading over and Mbia appearing from nowhere behind Diame and clearing before he was able to shoot home. Nevertheless, QPR held out and went in at the break one up.

The second half can be summed up in almost a single word: onslaught. At times the Rangers goal led a charmed life with blocks, ricochets and Cesar's legs (again) all keeping the Iron out. Mbia managed to fit in his traditional 'lie in agony on the floor' time after another six yard box scramble. Only when the home fans had been wound up to a frenzy did the Cameroonian get up and walk round to rejoin play at the first opportunity, completely unimpaired. Cesar was busy, occasionally unconventionally (for him) using his hands to save. He also stood up well to the bombardment of crosses into the box from Matt Jarvis, as did Nelsen and Hill. It was extremely disappointing from a Rangers perspective that Redknapp didn't want to cut off the supply by closing down the Irons' wingers. Jarvis in particular was having far too much joy against Nedum Onuoha.

Substitutions aplenty followed as SWP and Mackie were replaced by Traore and Bothroyd for Rangers while Carlton Cole came on for Spam to replace the ineffective Chamakh, who they might as well send back to Arsenal on today's evidence. This seemed to be a game-changer as there was now much more aerial menace and there was a sense of inevitability when the equaliser finally arrived on 68 minutes. Jarvis dinked one up from the left which Carlton Cole headed goalwards. Cesar's diving save left Joe Cole with a tap in and his first West Ham goal for 10 years. Sam Allardyce reckoned West Ham had 46 crosses in the game, so based on the law of probability alone it was always likely that one would result in a goal.

Rangers continued to offer nothing up front with Rémy now anonymous and Taarabt withdrawn for Park as Redknapp demonstrated that leaving with a point was now the aim. Every time they were able to break out of their half (can't have been more than twice in the second half) Rangers looked lost and unsure whether to hold on to the ball or try to set up an attack and go for the win, which often lead to through balls being played with nobody on the end of them or cheap surrendering of possession. West Ham meanwhile continued to chuck it in the mixer but the only real concern was when Cesar was tempted to go walkies from his box but Fabio cleared up behind. Final score 1-1.

So as it turned out, this fixture was very similar to the Cisse debut of around a year ago - the new striker scored with a great goal in the first half and had the fans instantly singing with new found optimism in their voices, only to fade in the second half along with the rest of his team mates and allow the opposition to fight their way back into the game and have the away fans feel lucky to go home with anything. Under normal circumstances 5 points from 3 derby games, two of which were away, would represent a decent return. However, games are fast running out and, despite the positive of being unbeaten in 5 games in 2013 (including the FA Cup sponsored by HMV), Rangers remain 5 points from safety. Next for the Rs are three consecutive home games; FC Franchise (FA Cup (sponsored by Jessops), then Citeh and the Canaries in the EPL.

Man of the Match: One man who continues to shine is goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who showed his best form again here in East London with several 'worldies' to allow the Hoops to come away with a point they didn't deserve. His wobbly days under Hughes seem to be behind him now, fingers crossed his form continues.

C

Rangers clip AVB's wingers

Match Review: QPR 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Queens Park Rangers continued their recent revival in front of the Sky Sports cameras for this twice rescheduled fixture (I hate the power they have sometimes, they completely mug fans off, it is they that I think should be subsidising away fans given the amount of crap they have to go through when a game gets rescheduled!)

Rangers kicked off this lunchtime fixture with one change to the starting eleven who had brought back three points from Stamford Bridge, Ji-Sung Park returning from injury replacing the now injured Granero to the delight of the Korean contingent in the stands. Spurs were at full strength (unless missing Kaboul counts?) and both Parker and Assou-Ekotto were available on the bench. 

Spurs looked the brighter in the opening stages and on 5 minutes Defoe was allowed to drift inside and unload a fierce shot from 18 yards which Cesar did magnificently to touch onto the post. Adebayor picked up the rebound and beat Clint Hill but also saw his effort turned away by the Rangers keeper. Shortly afterwards Aaron Lennon made a shameful Ashley Young-like dive which wasn't punished by referee Lee Probert. Probert is famous at Loftus Road for once sending off mascot Jude the cat because he was confusing him with the other eleven QPR players on the field at the time! On 11 minutes SWP showed some renewed confidence and went on a jinking run and had his goalbound shot deflected just wide by Dawson. Much of the rest of the first half saw Tottenham stroking the ball around well but continuing to meet stiff QPR resistance from the determined back four well protected by Derry and Mbia. Rangers were also defending well from the front with Mackie, SWP and Taarabt all working hard to close down opponents. Spurs were probably guilty of lacking ambition as neither of their full backs showed much in the way of attacking intent. Bale was busy but delivered no end product on the left but Lennon faded from the game. Both were well chaperoned as Fabio and Onuoha gave probably their best Hooped performances to date.

Halfway through the first half Sandro was replaced by Parker. This seemed to coincide with Ji-Sung Park transforming from a promising showing of harrying and probing to a frustrated figure who always seemed to arrive on the scene two seconds after the action had moved on. Basically for the next 67 minutes, he ran around a lot but had no impact on the game.

Dembele versus Mbia was a good contest with the Belgian well shackled by the Cameroonian for the most part and, particularly in the first half, the Rangers powerhouse was able to charge forward on some of his buccaneering runs.

After the break Spurs controlled the game for 15 minutes or so with QPR unable to get any decent possession in attacking areas, despite Taarabt's continued excellent hold-up play. He was isolated as the supporting players were fully stretched defending but to his credit he showed a level of maturity without the ball and without any support which we rarely saw from him in the Championship and last season. In spite of this, Tottenham did not really work Cesar with the closest attempt being a Kyle Walker free kick from range. Rangers came back into the game with Fabio and SWP having chances to score but when they did get forward there were no bodies in the box. Dempsey and Sigurdsson (that's probably Icelandic for Smith) came on as Spurs also began to look as if they would settle for a point. An outrageous piece of skill saw SWP mug Bale tight on the touchline as QPR pushed on. On 85 minutes Mbia collided with Lloris after the whistle had been blown. 3 minutes later when Big Steph had stopped rolling over, Probert arrived to declare all life extinct as Mbia lay motionless. In a moment of pure eschatology (look it up), Mbia was risen from the dead and rejoined the match as if nothing had happened. You've gotta love the big guy, and I forgot to mention that he continued his world record attempt to be booked for ridiculous infringements in the 69th minute when he added a nonchalant handball to his repertoire.

No further action of note and nil nil was probably a fair result. Spurs are third (fourth now) in the EPL for a reason and they have bags more quality than QPR, which showed here throughout. The R's were set up to defend and try and nick a goal from a set piece. If Tottenham had scored Rangers would have been scuppered, but they didn't, so 4 points from two derbies is an excellent return. So on we go to Upton Park (via a FA Cup replay that nobody wants) for jellied eels all round.

Man of the match: There were some stellar performances in the Rangers back line and a dogged display in midfield, so this, for once, is a very tough one to call. But I'll hand it to Julio Cesar, without whom QPR would have definitely let in a goal and heads would have dropped. That's back to back clean sheets in the league for the Brazilian.

Finally, a quick line for some of our new readers: Spurs have been linked with Kazakh playmaker Dmitry Byakov, who could make all the difference as they push to secure Champions League qualification. Вы услышали это здесь в первую очередь.

C

You had to be there...

Match Review: Chelsea 0-1 QPR

Most Rangers fans made the journey to Stamford Bridge fearing the worst, but it’s a funny old game football. At a scandalous £55 per ticket (plus booking fee) and with a shocking run of form, the fact that the Shed was filled with 3,000 away fans spoke volumes for blind optimism and loyalty over level-headed analysis. But against all the odds (there were shorter odds for Chelsea to win 6-0 than QPR to win 1-0), they were rewarded.

Rangers opened with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Derry recalled to play just in front of the back four and, interestingly, Taarabt was pushed furthest up front. Armand Traore was out of the picture after his inept defensive performance against Liverpool on Sunday and the back four read Fabio, Hill, Nelsen, Onuoha. In midfield Esteban Granero was preferred to Samba Diakite who was another really off the ball against Liverpool whilst the woeful Shaun Wright Phillips was dropped at the expense of Junior Hoilett. Meanwhile Rafa made several changes for Chelsea, although with FA and Capital One Cup games coming up before their next EPL fixture it looked more like a case of over confident complacency rather than a genuine need for resting through rotation.

The teams emerge

Four minutes into his full league debut the Bosnian-come-German Marin (how many 'dual nationality' players have they claimed to be theirs now?!) should have been sent off for a two footed, off the floor and out of control scythe through M’Bia. Stunningly, referee Mason (who you will remember sent off Derry for not touching Ashley Young at Old Trafford last year) only produced a yellow. Equally stunningly M’Bia was not badly hurt. Retribution on Marin was later quietly dished out by both Derry and Hill.

QPR defended with determination and the few chances that came Chelsea’s way were as a result of mistakes. On 15 minutes Hoilett pulled up and was replaced by Wright-Phillips and a minute later Chelski did their emotionally disturbed ‘clap for Di Matteo’ thing.

Chelsea continued to huff and puff with a few long range efforts, particularly from a frustrated Branislav Ivanovic, but Hill and Nelsen snuffed out anything closer in. On 34 minutes there was an embarrassing dive in the box by Bertrand when he was several yards away from the nearest opponent. Boltonian whistleblower Mason was again deficient and no booking resulted.

Towards the end of the first half SWP had a run and shot and twice didn’t run and didn’t shoot when Taarabt threaded him decent passes to move on to. David Luiz (hereafter Sideshow Bob) had a pot shot that Cesar had to save with his legs after it deflected off Frank (‘one more to overtake Kerry Dixon’) Lampard.

Special abuse was saved for the warming up Ashley Cole and the half time appearance of ‘Suave Marv’ aka 60’s and 70’s centre back Marvin Hinton. I don’t think anyone had anything in particular against 72 year old Marv, it was more a case of his chaperon for the obligatory walk round the pitch being the personification of a smugly irritating annoying Johnny-come-lately, glory hunting tit.

The second half was more of the same, only better. Chelsea had a flurry of corners which Cesar dealt with positively, Ivanovic heading one excellent chance over. On 53 minutes Cesar saved well from the otherwise anonymous Torres. Moses should have got a touch to Marin's cross but this was to be the debutante's last involvement as he was then swapped for Hazard as Rafa began to realise more guile was needed. QPR for the first time began to string some coherent attacking moves together. Granero hit a curler to give Turnbull some catching practice. Shortly afterwards, Mackie was played through by Taarabt and he looked odds-on to score before Gary Cahill stretched out and conceded a corner. From said corner, Derry had a free header which should have troubled Turnbull more.

Home frustration grew as Lampard put the ball in from an offside position (still one more needed eh, Frank!) All the Rangers back four were now playing like men possessed with blocks and deflections keeping Chelsea out. To the delight of the Chelsea fans, their talisman Juan Mata was introduced by Rafa for Moses with sixteen minutes to play. But then, against all hopes and expectations, one of those ‘I was there’ moments happened. A partially cleared Rangers corner fell to Taarabt just outside the box. He made the sweetest lay-off into the path of SWP that since the match we have watched again and again. Time stood still as SWP hit a low 20 yard drive that arrowed into the corner of the goal. Delirium and confusion broke out in the away end, bodies everywhere. Stop the clocks at 21:20 02/01/13. Had he really done that? 969 days since his last EPL goal, you diminutive beauty, you. All is forgiven! You still owe the outstanding Fabio a beer for covering your defensive duties, though.

Ramires came on for Lampard (who, Chelsea fans, I believe still requires one more goal to overhaul Kerry Dixon). The game was now frantic. You could see the vein in Clint Hill’s neck bulging with effort. Admirable Nelsen screamed for more concentration and effort. Derry was everywhere putting out fires and Mbia and Sideshow Bob enjoyed a tussle that, although rarely legal, was sufficiently good natured that you could still see them sharing hair conditioner in the showers afterwards. Even Granero put a shift in - I noticed he went over to Joe Jordan for a word in his ear during the first half and from that moment he returned a more determined man who got stuck in, something he hasn't done since the very start of his QPR career.

On 86 minutes I called it as a pen from where I was sitting but thankfully it was a free kick that was given instead, dead centre in the D, 2 yards outside the box. D wanted Sideshow Bob to take it and blast, C wanted Mata to chip straight into Cesar's arms. Thankfully D got his wish as Wrecking Ball Luiz simply smashed it into the 9 man wall.

Supporting their local team: Bristol and Bath blues, Norwegian blues, etc. Many already gone home early in a huff

Two time wasting R's substitutions later and it was all over. Man hugs all round. Everything that QPR hadn't been 3 days earlier against Liverpool, they were today. Solid, committed, intelligent and playing like a team. The questions remain whether they can repeat this level of intensity and dream of survival but, for the moment, who cares? Chelsea 0 QPR 1. Two clean sheets against Chelsea. A first away win since November 2011. A first win away at Chelsea in my lifetime. Simply unbelievable.



Man of the Match: Playing in an unfamiliar striker's position, Taarabt's ability to keep the ball and hold the ball up was played upon by Harry Redknapp and it proved to be an incredibly inspired move. He showed his quality in his passing and the lay-off for the goal and gave QPR an outlet all game. His patience and perseverance with the inept Shaun Wright-Phillips also deserves some serious credit. Well done that man, we'll need more of this if we are to pick up more points this year away from home.

Lennon on song

Match Review: Tottenham 3-1 Reading

With QPR not playing until tomorrow, our roving reporter D took in a visit to run an eye over their forthcoming EPL opponents, Tottenham, in their home game versus Reading.

The fake Hoops started brightly and on 3 minutes Ian Harte lined up for a trademark freekick (he's still got it in his locker!) which struck the bar and with Lloris still getting up from the deck, Pavel Pogrebnyak nodded home for his second lucky goal in two games. QPR fans will be hoping this spell doesn't continue for the striker who has flattered to deceive in a hot and cold Premier League career so far.

After a surprising opening to the game, Spurs began to get into their stride and from a weak Federici clearance, Lennon crossed and Adebayor headed wide. On 9 minutes Sigurdsson swung over a corner which Dawson headed home for 1-1. Defoe was now shooting on sight with efforts wide left, right, over and saved. His strike partner Adebayor was far less lively and most of the time seemed only faintly interested. When Federici spilled yet another Defoe attempt, Adebayor was too slow to react. Sandro and  Sigurdsson were showing nice touches and with Dembele alternating between marauding runs and enforcing crunching tackles, Spurs were running the game and not missing the suspended Bale in the least. Nevertheless, Reading somehow held on and went in at half time all square and still in the game.

Action shot: The players jostle for space whilst the corner is taken which lead to Dawson's goal

More of the same followed after the restart. Most of Spurs attacks came down the left where Lennon supported by Walker gave veteran Harte a torrid time even though he was regularly helped out by McAnuff tracking back. On 50 minutes Lennon crossed and Adebayor headed home. For the next 20 minutes the pattern of play continued with the Fakes offering nothing as an attacking force. Dembele was withdrawn for Parker on 68 minutes and briefly Reading were off the back foot. Realising that somehow they were still in the game, Pog make a good run down the right and his shot was well saved by Lloris. Again the rebound fell to him but this time his header was wide. McDermott threw on Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre to try and snatch a point but Spurs were still tearing them open at will.  Within four minutes of his arrival as a sub, Dempsey tried his luck from distance and the ball looped up and over Federici for 3-1. Reading were beaten now and they knew it. More chances came and went for Defoe, Lennon and Parker but the match finished 3-1, the least Spurs deserved.

So, what pointers for Rangers when Spurs visit Loftus Road on 14th? Basically none, we're in trouble here. Spurs have quality throughout with pace, movement and an array of dangerous set pieces. Double manning Lennon looks like a good idea, but then Bale will be back and the other flank becomes vulnerable. If Adebayor gets frustrated and loses interest, and Defoe goes for quantity rather than quality, we might just keep it reasonable.

Interestingly, just as it was when QPR came here in October, it was very quiet in the ground and the 'famous atmosphere down the lane' was nowhere to be seen or heard. Reading's bright start tempted their support to open with the somewhat predictable 'How $hit must you be, we're winning away' which was eventually replied to near the end with 'How $hit must you be, we're winning without Bale'!  Standard 36,000 crowd, most of whom seem to have split personalities in the matters of whether or not to celebrate their Jewish heritage and whether or not to stand up!

Man of the Match: The return to form of Aaron Lennon lately has been a joy to watch and he ran the show here, giving the Reading back line a torrid ninety minutes. QPR will have to watch him very very carefully indeed at Loftus Road in a fortnight. Harry will know all this already, of course.