Chelsea FC supporters wouldn’t have to travel far for Sun day’s game, as the Blues were set to take on London rivals Queens Park Rangers. Local derbies are always tough contests to predict, and Chelsea’s task wouldn’t be easy, considering their injury crisis at forward. With both Diego Costa and Loic Remy injured, Didier Drogba is the only forward in the first team with significant experience. Drogba would indeed get the start as the lone forward, Ramires would also make his return to the starting XI.
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On paper, Chelsea have the advantage over the majority of their Barclay’s Premier League opponents, but QPR clearly didn’t care for being a home underdog. They defended doggedly, and created a couple of set piece opportunities of their own. It was made apparent early on that Chelsea had a game on their hands.
QPR looked solid throughout the first half, particularly during the last five minutes, when they saw a great spell of possession which came with some half chances, most notably Charlie Austin’s effort that forced a diving save from Thibaut Courtois.
The first half would end with QPR being the happier of the two sides, by keeping the game 0-0, they gave themselves a chance in becoming the most recent giant slayers. Jose Mourinho would surely be calling for focus, and hope his side can bag an early goal to put pressure on the hosts.
Chelsea began the second half not so much better than the first. They gave away possession cheaply a few times, and lacked a consistent attacking threat.
QPR nearly made Chelsea pay in the 64th minute, but Matthew Phillips’ snap shot from inside the box was parried away for a corner by Courtois.
Chelsea would continued to be frustrated during the second half, as QPR were able to keep the visitors at bay. The Blues would have to find a moment of inspiration if they wanted to come away with all three points.
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It would take Chelsea until then 88th minute to make the breakthrough. After a poor clearance from Robert Green, Eden Hazard was able to pick up the ball in an advanced position. It was a true team goal, as Hazard found Oscar, who passed it back to Hazard, the Belgian then found an oncoming Cesc Fabregas who was able to put the ball into the back of the net.
QPR would feel hard done after playing so well for the whole game, the odds would now be stacked against them finding a late equalizer.
An equalizer wouldn’t be found, and Chelsea would see out the game and claim all three points. The victory is an important one, as the Blues maintain their seven point lead atop the Barclay’s Premier League table. The win is even more important with games against Arsenal and Manchester United in the near future.
MOTM: Thiabut Courtois – At the expense of sounding like a broken record, Thibaut Courtois had another excellent game in net, making big saves when called upon, and performing to his standard in other goalkeeping duties. His save from Phillips’ effort may have earned Chelsea three points.