Queens Park Rangers: 5 Things We Learned from QPR's 2-1 Defeat to Tottenham Queens Park Rangers succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, and Mark Hughes' away day curse continues. To say Rangers were unlucky not to take anything from the game would be an understatement, but there are some positives, and negatives, that QPR can take from the trip to White Hart Lane. Julio Cesar Is World Class We already knew Julio Cesar was a top goalkeeper, but some of his saves in the second half were outstanding. The brilliance he showed to deny Gareth Bale's powerful drive on the 68th minute immediately springs to mind. Although conceding two goals, Cesar kept Rangers in with a chance to take a deserved point back to West London. Not having much to do in the first half, Cesar always looked alert, and the centre-backs looked all the more confident knowing they have a world-class shot-stopper behind them. Finishing Needs to Improve Rangers have only scored three goals in their five Premier League games so far, but that's not to say they haven't had their chances. Only Bobby Zamora has been on the score sheet this season, if you discount Alejandro Faurlin's own goal, and he cannot carry the team on his own. QPR had 20 shots on goal in total throughout the game, but only managed to convert one. The best opportunity fell to Junior Hoilett, who had around three hours to pull the trigger when he found himself free in the penalty box with 20 minutes to go, but he failed to do so. If Rangers are to win games and progress up the table, the strikers need to step up to the plate and start taking the chances that the team work so hard to create. Kieron Dyer Can Play Right-Back After Jose Bosingwa had to be replaced just minutes after kickoff, Hughes opted to play Kieron Dyer at right-back, which turned out to be a very good decision. Dyer held his own against the Spurs attack, making some well-timed tackles and showing good passing style. For someone who lacked match fitness, Dyer performed incredibly well out of position and is starting to showcase some of the talent he had prior to his injury nightmares. Bosingwa and Fabio da Silva may need to step up their game, as Hughes seems to have found a new full-back in Kieron Dyer. Esteban Granero Was Rangers' Best Player on the Pitch Esteban Granero is getting better and better. Granero has adapted to the English game with such ease, you would have thought him a Premier League veteran. His passing was outstanding, and he controlled the midfield in exemplary style. His partnership with Faurlin is becoming exciting to watch, and "El Pirate" was the best player on the pitch for QPR against Spurs. The only criticism of the Spaniard is his final ball. If he improves that, then Rangers could have found themselves a real superstar; a word which has not been muttered at Loftus Road in recent years. Hughes Seems to Have Worked It Out Mark Hughes is starting to find a formation and team selection which works. Yes, the result didn't go his way, but he did everything right. I was skeptical when I saw Clint Hill and Shaun Wright-Phillips in the starting 11, but both repaid the faith the manager put in them. Hughes picked what ended up being the best team he could from his injury-hit squad, and his tactics and substitutions were spot on; Djibril Cisse could well have snatched an equalizer for QPR and looked lively as an impact substitute. Rangers seem to now be finding a cohesion which could start turning potential into results in the next few weeks.
I don't think MH has found the best selection/formation. I don't agree with starting SWP and I don't particularly like 4-4-1-1/4-4-2.
6) White Hart Lane is becoming as tame and polite as the Emirates They really only do sing when they're winning now.
Team's in the process of gelling. Not a bad idea ensuring the lesser lights (Hill, SWP, Dyer) feel part of and build their confidence. They'll be needed at various intervals, if not throughout the season. 7) What we must also have learned / should've known already, is the need to pace ourselves for a 95 minute game. Exciting and effective as it was, all that swamping Spurs in the first half needed to guarantee goals and an insurmountable lead. As it was, we didn't have enough energy in the tank to respond in kind when they went in front.
Brix I thought we'd agreed to ban the 'g' word? Can't believe you're slipping into its ubiquitous use as well! Its like a Brendan Rodgers 'W*** Word Bingo' fest on here....
Good points Kiwi. Things are improving and given time we'll get it right. Cause for optimism, I feel.
Kiwi, you should have entitled your thread "Five things I learned.........." Those are your opinions, others might not agree!
I really think it's unfair to say Granero was man of the match when some players worked really hard and had a more difficult task to do. But he is extremely good and one thing that sticks out about him is his ability to cover the ball. He shrugs off so many challenges. Dyer has been excellent all season so far and is becoming one of my favourites for this season. His attitude is completely spot on, especially that he's been determined enough to come back from long term injury. He seems to be gasping to play football, always wants the ball, always takes players on and is unafraid and he always tries to find a good pass.
When Dyer came on i was thinking here we go bale is going to have him for lunch, but wow what game he had. Bring on west ham
