For weeks Chelsea fans have checked
the schedule and considered today’s match versus their London “rivals” to be a
foregone conclusion. Through the midway part of the season Chelsea has racked
up an impressive thirty-eight points in the league compared to the lowly ten
point tally of QPR; almost a ten win difference. Given this great disparity it
was easy to see why the Blues and their fans felt so assured of three points
from today’s game. Obviously aware of the quality difference between the two
teams Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez fielded a much tamer lineup than normal.
Clearly, he thought that there would be no better time to rest his top players
(Mata, Hazard, Ramires, Cole) despite the fact that they have an FA Cup tie
this weekend. From the start of the game the commentators pointed out that QPR
was given a lift upon seeing the Chelsea team sheet. Not only did they feel
disrespected, but also a bit fortunate that they were facing a less experienced
and talented Chelsea lineup. The QPR starting XI was expected except for the
decision to have Adel Taraabt play as the lone striker; a decision that later
proved decisive.
The first half proved to be largely
uneventful as both sides played uninspiring football. The highlight and
possibly only talking point came when the young Chelsea winger Marko Marin came
in for a reckless studs up tackle on Stephane Mbia. Referee Lee Mason must have
been feeling very lenient or he wasn’t able to see the play because he gave
Marin a yellow on what looked to be a certain red card offense. As the half
came to a close the displeasure of the Chelsea fans was palpable, and it looked
as if Benitez would be forced to make some changes to his lethargic side.
The second half began just as the
first had ended with Chelsea enjoying the lion’s share of possession but
offering very little in the way of a legitimate threat. Benitez’ lineup
experiment had clearly not worked as planned and the longer the match continued
without a score, the more confident the QPR side got. Despite going long
periods without maintaining any semblance of meaningful possession, the
visitors presented a real goal threat with Taraabt. Often cut as moody, selfish
figure, it was evident from the opening kick that he viewed today’s fixture as
an audition of sorts. Gliding by defenders easily and getting other involved it
seemed as if QPR may find joy through their talisman. Sensing QPR’s confidence
growing and his side sagging, Benitez brought on Eden Hazard to try and get
that elusive first goal. The minutes following the substitution were Chelsea at
their most lively with David Luiz and Fernando Torres both offering the Blues
best chances of the game. Football has a way of rewarding teams that play up to
the level of competition and QPR struck completely against the run of play.
Taraabt laid off a beautiful pass to the substitute (and former Chelsea man)
Shaun Wright-Phillips that he was able to slot home neatly. From there QPR went
into full defensive mode as the setup a wall of ten players in front of their
goal stopping everything that Chelsea threw at them. Defenders Ryan Nelsen and
Fabio showed their worth by making key defensive plays when their team needed
it most. As the final minutes ticked away the Chelsea faithful knew that this
game was not theirs to win, and let the players (and coach) hear this.
When the final whistle blew the
looks on both teams’ faces told the story. The triumphant underdogs just spent
90 minutes on the pitch battling, scrapping, and willing themselves to an
unexpected but deserved victory. The players and manager had said all the right
things leading up to the game, but to a man they weren’t likely to expect three
points. Where both teams go from here is a mystery as QPR appear ready to take
on the challenge of escaping the dreaded relegation zone; meanwhile Chelsea
continue their big spending ways by bringing in Demba Ba and are heavily linked
with a few other top players. Although today was only one day, perhaps with the
turn of the New Year and an established manager in place QPR will finally be
able to regain the respect of the rest of the footballing world.
(image via @premierleague)
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