QPR vs. Chelsea: Score, Grades, Reaction from West London Derby
Chelsea's lead atop the Premier League remains at seven points following a narrow 1-0 victory against relegation candidates Queens Park Rangers on Sunday at Loftus Road.
The home side created the better chances for most of the match, limiting their more illustrious visitors with a physical, fully committed approach. But Chelsea, who appeared off-colour for much of the day, scored the game's only goal with their first shot on target, via Cesc Fabregas in the 88th minute.
The result keeps Jose Mourinho's side in control of the title race, seven points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand. And the victory will give the Blues a welcome cushion as they head into a potentially challenging run of games.
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Up next is a home match against in-form Manchester United on Saturday, followed by a trip to Arsenal—who have won eight straight league matches—on April 26.
In truth, Sunday's performance was below the standard Chelsea normally set, but that will matter little to Mourinho, who had limited options in picking his side. First-choice striker Diego Costa was unavailable due to injury, as was his deputy, Loic Remy, who missed out following a late calf injury.
QPR, meanwhile, remained in the relegation zone following the defeat. With the end of the season fast approaching, Rangers are still two points adrift of safety.
The first half featured few chances as QPR, who were clearly up for a fight, made it difficult for Chelsea to play. In the eighth minute, Willian curled a cross into QPR's box, hitting the near post and nearly catching out goalkeeper Rob Green.
Three minutes later, Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois came off his line alertly to claim a pass intended for Charlie Austin.
The visitors threatened again in the 18th minute as Fabregas picked out Nemanja Matic with a low free-kick into the box. Matic directed a first-time shot on goal, but QPR blocked.
Both teams created half-chances just before the break. In the 44th minute, Courtois dived to save Austin's thumping effort from the edge of the box. One minute later, Fabregas headed over the bar after Branislav Ivanovic dropped a cross into the QPR box.
QPR started the second half on the front foot. In the 48th minute, Matthew Phillips whipped a fine cross into the box to Bobby Zamora, who was unable to tap in at the back post. Three minutes later, Clint Hill curled a shot on target, but Courtois saved.
The hosts had their best chance yet in the 64th minute, when Zamora picked out Phillips in the middle of the box with a cross from the right. Phillips turned expertly and fired a shot on target, but Courtois made a top-class reaction save to keep the score level.
QPR continued to create the better chances as full-time approached. In the 82nd minute, Austin drew a save from Courtois with a quick shot in a crowded box after seeing his initial effort blocked.
The match seemed to be heading for a scoreless draw, but in the 88th minute, Chelsea took the lead with their first shot on target.
The chance came about after Green scuffed a poor clearance from the edge of his box, catching his side unaware momentarily as Eden Hazard raced toward the box. After combining with Oscar inside the area, Hazard pulled back for Fabregas, who side-footed into the net with his first touch.
It was cruel on QPR, who had been the more dangerous side for most of the second half. But once the goal went in, there was only going to be one winner. And as the final seconds ticked off, Chelsea took one more step toward the title.
Grades
| Robert Green | 4.9 |
| Mauricio Isla | 6.8 |
| Nedum Onuoha | 6.8 |
| Steven Caulker | 7.1 |
| Clint Hill | 6.8 |
| Matthew Phillips | 6.6 |
| Joey Barton | 7.4 |
| Sandro | 7.3 |
| Karl Henry | 6.5 |
| Charlie Austin | 6.7 |
| Bobby Zamora | 6.5 |
| Niko Kranjcar (for Sandro, 81') | No rating |
| Junior Hoilett (for Zamora, 83') | No rating |
| Richard Dunne (for Isla, 90') | No rating |
| Thibaut Courtois | 8.0 |
| Branislav Ivanovic | 6.9 |
| Gary Cahill | 8.2 |
| John Terry | 7.3 |
| Cesar Azpilicueta | 7.3 |
| Ramires | 6.4 |
| Nemanja Matic | 8.2 |
| Willian | 6.6 |
| Cesc Fabregas | 8.0 |
| Eden Hazard | 7.3 |
| Didier Drogba | 7.2 |
| Oscar (for Ramires, 56') | 6.7 |
| Juan Cuadrado (for Willian, 80') | No rating |
| Kurt Zouma (for Fabregas, 90') | No rating |
Reaction
(All quotes via BBC Sport)
Chelsea goalscorer Cesc Fabregas: "It was very difficult to play. The pitch was very dry, it was windy and not the circumstances we want to play football. But even in the difficult moments we played well. Didier held up the ball well."
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba: "I'm very happy with the way we played. I was trying to give my best, always for the team and I'm really happy. We have been top of the league from the beginning of the season."
QPR captain Joey Barton:
"We're devastated. We definitely deserved at least a point. We are massive underdogs and you have to be switched on for 90 minutes. Greeny (goalkeeper Robert Green) is gutted but he has probably saved us 10 or 12 points this season. If we play like that for the rest of the games we should be safe. We're gutted. The lads have put in everything in there. You could see what it meant to Chelsea to win that game.
Nobody expected us to get anything. We kept the belief in the camp. After four points on the road people started believing in us. Leicester were dead and buried if you listen to the media but now it looks as it will be two teams from five. We are game for the fight and we will have to scrape until May, but we knew that in August.
"
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho:
"To keep a good balance emotionally was very important. This was a final for both teams and both teams managed to compete at a very high level but at a clean way without losing control of emotions. The referee helped keep control.
Didier (Drogba) was amazing. Ninety minutes is too much for someone not playing a lot and it's difficult for a player to have 90 minutes in his legs but he had 90 minutes in his brain. He is a fantastic example for us when we needed a big personality to step up. As John (Terry) did, very safe, very calm and controlled.
It is one step closer. We need three wins and two draws. When we have one match more to play than the other teams. Our situation is good. Pure mathematics. We need 11 points.
"
QPR manager Chris Ramsey:
"I am very, very disappointed to lose. Detail kills you and when you have top players like they do, you get done. One shot or two shots and the top players score.
We have let two or three goals in from the same position the last few weeks and players haven't been able to concentrate enough.
We are still in with a fight, everyone is disappointed and I just feel sorry for the crowd. We have ourselves to blame because of our concentration. Our concentration has been appalling. We have let late goals in in most games. The players don't need lifting, they will lift themselves.
"
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