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Match Analysis: Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Chelsea

Sports Mole dissects today's Premier League clash between Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea.

Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea played out a 0-0 draw in today's Premier League clash at Loftus Road.

There were chances for both sides in a thrilling encounter that could have gone either way, but were one side more deserving of all three points than the other?

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the game.

Match Statistics:

Queens Park Rangers:
Shots: 10
On target: 6
Possession: 47%
Fouls: 16

Chelsea:
Shots: 13
On target: 9
Possession: 53%
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

Queens Park Rangers were much the better team in the second half, and will feel a draw was an unfair reflection. While Chelsea edged the first period in terms of possession, the hosts were the more creative in the second, with golden opportunities falling to Park Ji-sung, Bobby Zamora and substitute Djibril Cisse.

Queens Park Rangers' performance

Mark Hughes's men put in a good shift today against tough opposition. There were times, particularly in the first half, when Chelsea looked stronger, but they were nothing short of dominant in the second half. A few more performances like this and they will move quickly away from the wrong end of the table.

Chelsea's performance

Roberto Di Matteo's side looked dangerous on the break, with Eden Hazard a constant threat. They were unlucky not to take an early lead through the Belgian, who forced an excellent strop from Julio Cesar inside the opening ten minutes. However, the second period was all QPR, and the Blues were fortunate to make it through to the final whistle with a clean sheet.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Bobby Zamora. The striker's finishing could have been better, but he struck fear into the heart of the Chelsea defence whenever he picked up the ball. Unselfish play saw him create goalscoring opportunities for Cisse and Jamie Mackie, both of whom could have earned QPR all three points had luck been on their side.

Biggest gaffe

Perhaps gaffe is the wrong word to use, but Anton Ferdinand's decision to snub John Terry and Ashley Cole during the pre-match handshake will no doubt be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Fortunately, there was no trouble during the game that followed.

Referee's performance

Despite this one being touted as a potential powder-keg, there weren't too many incidents for Andre Marriner to contend with. The referee kept a lid on things well enough, but did look uncertain when push came to shove. Hazard had a penalty appeal turned down in the first half, and Marriner looked in two minds initially. His decision to dismiss the Belgian's protests was ultimately the right one, though.

What next?

Queens Park Rangers: QPR have another London derby up next, this time against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. With just two points on the board so far, Hughes's men desperately need a win, but if they play like they did today, they have every chance of taking something from that game.

Chelsea: Next up for Chelsea is a tough Champions League group stage match against Juventus. The Italian giants will be a real test of their mettle, so Di Matteo's side will have to raise their game for that one.

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Written by
Mark Langshaw
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