Fulham 3 QPR 2: First half calamity leaves Rangers in desperate trouble

By Peter Wells:

If seasons could be defined by one match, then last nights 3-2 defeat for Queens Park Rangers would be the perfect definition of their second spell in the Premier League. Defensively appalling, midfield lacking creation, and the strikers seeing too little of the ball. That was the first half, yet the second defined their season even better as a whole. They showed that sometimes they can play, and that the midfield does not lack the creation required of a team paying such high wages. Yet that's it, isn't it. QPR fans have been teased all season with the teams potential, yet the players do not produce the goods on a regular enough basis. Now Rangers sit dauntingly 7 points below the red line, but unlike Reading are not yet being written off. Its not only that QPR have the favourable fixture list, but also because of those rare occasions when they show the footballing world what they are capable of. When they do this they are hard to write off, but no one can deny the task set for Harry Redknapp is looking bleaker and bleaker.

The game could not have started any worse for Redknapp's side when Christopher Samba tripped Dejagah in the area, conceding a 7th minute penalty. Berbatov was the man to step up and take, and with the confidence only Berbatov possesses, he tucked it into the back of the net, giving Rangers an unwanted mountain to climb.

That mountain was getting steeper as the half went on, Fulham were in control and QPR looked lost at sea. Ruiz headed a corner just wide of the far post before a Fulham free kick almost found its way into the QPR goal. Then on 22 minutes, another Samba mistake allowed Berbatov to score his and Fulham's second of the game. Samba was caught stalling with the ball at his feet in his own penalty area and when he lost the ball Berbatov was there to place the ball past Cesar.

QPR then managed to find a way back into the game. Down the right they looked dangerous all night, yet lacked the final ball, Bosingwa was the guilty party on more than a few occasions. Remy and Townsend were looking most likely to find the net for QPR but neither did.

Instead it was QPR defender Clint Hill who found the net next, but it was the wrong net as far as Rangers were concerned.

QPR looked dead and buried, that was until a slip in the Fulham defence released Taarabt who fired home from the edge of the area, a minute before the break. Suddenly the game was back on, despite Fulham's utter dominance.

Remy ran straight at the Fulham defence to start the second half, and fired a shot which was deflected wide with just 10 seconds gone. Then after sustained QPR pressure, Taarabt was clumsily brought down in the penalty area, for the second penalty of the game. Remy stepped up, and Schwarzer saved, before Duff cleared - it has to be said Duff got their first because he started running before the penalty was taken, as did everyone else. It was a crucial opportunity missed for Rangers and one they are now ruing.

Just a few minutes later Remy made up for his missed penalty, with a sumptuous first touch to take it into the area before blasting it over Schwarzer and into the roof of the net. Townsend and Zamora had shots well saved by Schwarzer as Fulham looked ragged while QPR were purring.

More chances came QPR's way before Sidwell was showed a straight red for a lunging tackle on Traore. It looked a harsh decision at first but on second look, Sidwell caught the QPR left back on the ankle and it was a very rash tackle.

Rangers pressed but failed to find the one good opening they were craving, and were rewarded with nothing but "good efforts" for their spirited fightback.

Fulham can now put any lingering relegation worries to bed with that win, and after their first half performance, most people would agree the result was justified.

Next Sunday's game at home to Wigan, has just become QPR's make or break game. A win and there is still hope, while a defeat and there is no question that they are heading for the drop. So more crucial matches for QPR, but if they are to go down, then its calamitous defending like at Craven Cottage that has been the thorn in their side.