Chelsea Knocks Out QPR on Controversial Penalty (with Video)

Queens Park Rangers crashed out of the FA Cup today, losing 1-0 to Chelsea on the back of a horrible penalty call.  The match had a strange and high-tension build-up after the fallout from the Anton Ferdinantd – John Terry dispute.  But both of the principals kept a fairly low profile, and the fans generally seemed to behave themselves in a match that was shifted to an early start time and characterized by full body searches of all supporters.

The first half was generally devoid of action.  The possession was probably about even (maybe a slight edge to Chelsea), but neither team managed to create anything offensively.  QPR was clearly playing a defensive game, happy to go into the break down 1-0, and Chelsea generated little other than a break-away in which Kenny saved Juan Mata’s shot.  Ramires also had a chance that he blew, and Chelsea had a somewhat-threatening build-up cleared by a lunging Hill touch, but otherwise most of the match was being played out in the middle of the field.

At the half, the Rs went to the bench, with Macheda coming on for Helguson.  A bit disappointing, because I actually wanted to see those two play together, not replace one another.  Hughes seems to really like Tommy Smith for some reason, but I’d love to see Helguson, Macheda and Mackie up front all at once.  But honestly, it wouldn’t really have mattered – our midfield wasn’t generating anything, and the few times we did push forward, Chelsea’s defense was right there to smother the attack.

The penalty came in the 62d minute.  It was a bullshit call, with Sturridge hitting the ground after practically no contact:

You never see that called in Premier League play, especially in a 0-0 game in the second half.  But, to be fair, QPR took the lead in the first Chelsea match thanks to a soft penalty (though probably not this soft).  After Chelsea went ahead, the Rs tried to push forward a bit, although even then we looked a little too cautious.  The best chance we had was in the dying stages, when Luke Young blasted a threatening shot that was well-saved by Cech.

So, no more Cup competitions for us this season – which is probably OK, considering we need to focus on the Prem.  We’re back on the horse this Wednesday with a tough match vs. Aston Villa.  Tune in this week for a preview of that and a look at the transfer market.

Category: QPR Team News