Queens Park Rangers kept their Premier League survival hopes alive with a 0-0 draw against Premier League champions Manchester City on Tuesday.
No goals arrived in the opening period, but it was the away side that utterly dominated proceedings in terms of possession and chances created.
City continued to control the tempo of the match in the second half, but they just could not make the breakthrough as the points were shared in a 0-0 draw.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Queens Park Rangers:
Shots: 3
On target: 1
Possession: 31%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 9
Manchester City:
Shots: 13
On target: 4
Possession: 69%
Corners: 10
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
City will feel that they deserved to take all three points having dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes, but QPR did restrict them to few clear opportunities. It would be fair to admit that the home side parked the bus this evening, but Harry Redknapp was never going to open up against one of the best counter-attacking sides in the league. One thing is for certain, QPR will be the happier with the point.
QPR's performance
It was a really brave performance from the home side. Their two central defenders, Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen, were stunning all evening as they continued to deal with the high balls into the penalty area. They rode their luck at times, especially in the second period, but they would feel that they were worth a point due to their desire and workrate. It was a performance that would have warmed the hearts of the supporters.
Manchester City's performance
It was an extremely frustrating evening for the Premier League champions. It appeared that they would win comfortably based on their performance in the opening 15 minutes, but they became ever so one-dimensional as the match entered the latter stages. It was a surprise that they did not start Edin Dzeko, but the tall striker did not have an impact when he entered proceedings late on.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Julio Cesar: The experienced Brazilian goalkeeper was simply stunning this evening. Not only did he pull off a host of fine saves in the second period, his handling was sublime under real pressure from the City attack. He will be a key member in their fight for survival, providing that they can keep him, with reported interest gathering pace.
Biggest gaffe of the match
QPR had a glorious opportunity to work Joe Hart for the first time in the latter stages of the match, but Esteban Granero fired his free kick horribly over the crossbar. It pretty much summed up a disappointing evening for the former Real Madrid midfielder, who is yet to really make an impact in the Premier League.
Referee performance
Phil Dowd had a productive 90 minutes of action this evening. The Englishman was not called into action on too many occasions, but was quickly on the scene when it was deemed necessary. He got the majority of the major decisions correct, with neither side having too many complaints.
What next?
QPR: The R's continue their Premier League survival mission with a crucial home clash against Norwich City on Saturday.
Manchester City: City will attempt to continue their pursuit of leaders Manchester United when they host Liverpool in the league on Sunday.
Matt Law
