Like 58 said, a game of two halves.
I was surprised just how much we got in the faces of the QPR players in the first 45 minutes, we hassled them off the ball and were quick on the counter. Not since Danny Murphy have I ever been as confident of someone scoring a penalty last night, Berba just oozes coolness. The second from their perspective was an atrocious goal to give away, but all credit to Berba finishing off the chance, although I think Cesar could and maybe should have done better. Urby would have scored from Duff's cross had Hill not converted the chance for us, so no real bad luck there from them.
The second half however, different story. Dejagah going off really killed the right side, which meant Riether was also limited in his attacking presence. Those who wanted Urby to finally get some game time (there are plenty on Twitter) might have a chance of heart now after a truly abysmal 60 minute performance from him. Oh how I wish we still had Kaca on the bench to have been brought on for Dejagah, who I thought was impressive as usual and gave Traore a torrid time until his early exit. Ruiz, also below par in the second half and looked incredibly lightweight on the ball, something he has improved on this season I will admit. Kara? What went wrong buddy? Terrible slip for their first goal and gave away an incredibly debatable penalty but the worst thing was his simulation, always making meals of challenges and remonstrating with the referee, it's something we don't want to see.
Thought Frimpong had a very good final 10 minutes and added some much needed steel to our midfield to replace Sidwell, who's red card I felt was very harsh, but don't expect Jol to appeal any time soon after his refusal to appeal Hangeland's red earlier in the season. Schwarzer? Another great performance, terrific penalty save, but as mentioned previously, his save from Zamora was even better. Senderos could have marked Remy a little better for their second goal but it was a very good turn and finish from him.
All in all a great three points I didn't see coming at 3-2 to be perfectly honest but all credit to the guys for hanging on in there.
I was surprised just how much we got in the faces of the QPR players in the first 45 minutes, we hassled them off the ball and were quick on the counter. Not since Danny Murphy have I ever been as confident of someone scoring a penalty last night, Berba just oozes coolness. The second from their perspective was an atrocious goal to give away, but all credit to Berba finishing off the chance, although I think Cesar could and maybe should have done better. Urby would have scored from Duff's cross had Hill not converted the chance for us, so no real bad luck there from them.
The second half however, different story. Dejagah going off really killed the right side, which meant Riether was also limited in his attacking presence. Those who wanted Urby to finally get some game time (there are plenty on Twitter) might have a chance of heart now after a truly abysmal 60 minute performance from him. Oh how I wish we still had Kaca on the bench to have been brought on for Dejagah, who I thought was impressive as usual and gave Traore a torrid time until his early exit. Ruiz, also below par in the second half and looked incredibly lightweight on the ball, something he has improved on this season I will admit. Kara? What went wrong buddy? Terrible slip for their first goal and gave away an incredibly debatable penalty but the worst thing was his simulation, always making meals of challenges and remonstrating with the referee, it's something we don't want to see.
Thought Frimpong had a very good final 10 minutes and added some much needed steel to our midfield to replace Sidwell, who's red card I felt was very harsh, but don't expect Jol to appeal any time soon after his refusal to appeal Hangeland's red earlier in the season. Schwarzer? Another great performance, terrific penalty save, but as mentioned previously, his save from Zamora was even better. Senderos could have marked Remy a little better for their second goal but it was a very good turn and finish from him.
All in all a great three points I didn't see coming at 3-2 to be perfectly honest but all credit to the guys for hanging on in there.
