QUEENS Park Rangers succumbed to defeat in the final moments against league leaders Chelsea, despite enjoying the better of the game in W12.
Rangers were more than a match for their loftier placed opponents, who struggled to break through a resolute home rearguard – marshalled ably by the exemplary Joey Barton.
Indeed Willian among others seemed to struggle with their rhythm in the heat of Loftus Road – where the atmosphere was predictably fierce and the home players thrived.
Setting up in a 4-4-2, Rangers frustrated the league leaders with Karl Henry and Clint Hill giving Willian then latterly Eden Hazard little to work with throughout.
The champions-elect rarely tested Rob Green but for a couple of powderpuff efforts in the first half, and the hosts could have picked up a deserved victory when Matt Phillips brought the best from Thibault Cortois.
It wasn’t to be for Rangers, as Green’s miss-kick fell kindly for Hazard – with the defence rather static he worked the ball to Cesc Fabregas to tuck home from close range.
A bitter blow for QPR who had been worthy of a least a point in this keenly-fought encounter and they now must wait a couple of weeks before they face West Ham United in W12.
Chelsea now have one hand on the league title, while QPR know only a win against the Hammers will do if they are to keep pace with an every dwindling pack above them.
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