The QPR V Chelsea game had plenty of drama surrounding it due to the high profile case with John Terry and Anton Ferdinand race case. Once again the handshake didn’t happen  and it is obvious it probably never will.
QPR (4-4-2 ) V CHELSEA (4-3-3) LINE UPS:
The Game
The game was a close fought match with both teams having chances (Chelsea had more). It is obvious that both teams defensively need work. Chelsea last season were giving away sloppy goals and this match it was evident that Chelsea can give goals away cheaply. QPR defensively in wide areas look shaky and Chelsea had joy down both flanks. The game was 0-0 but chances were created and not taken.
Chelsea Defensive problems
Chelsea defensively switching off as a ball is crossed into the box. Mikel is caught ball watching and not picking up runners into the box. Chelsea need to stay compact until ball is fully cleared or in good possession.
QPR’s defensive problems were due to Chelsea’s sharp combination play (lay off and play wide – The Chelsea Y) with Hazard, Lampard, Ramirez:
As you can see QPR’s left back is way too tight allowing the ball to be played wide into space in behind.
The Chelsea Y exercise, which is used through the academy and first team – passing pattern (playing to FWD/AMDF to MDF to Wide areas):
Possession was won marginally by QPR with 52.7% over Chelsea’s 47.3% however Chelsea made more passes in the final attacking third.
Attacking Third Stats
Chelsea played more direct than normal as QPR pressed high up the pitch with their two forwards Johnson and Zamora.
As usual Eden Hazard was shining light for Chelsea as his sharp combination play in midfield caused QPR problems.
Chelsea also had a shout for penalty in the first half when Hazard was brought down on the left hand side of the box.
Man Of the Match was Julio Cesar:
Cesar made some great saves from the better chances that Chelsea created mainly from Hazard and Torres. He kept QPR in the game. QPR had some half chances from a sloppy pass back from Mikel and a shot from Zamora outside the box.
The game overall was pretty disappointing and was overshadowed by the hand shake drama. There was some exciting plays from Chelsea and some hard work from QPR.
Overall the draw was a fair result.
