QPR draws with Spurs to keep on track

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 12 Januari 2013 | 22.58

LONDON: Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers gained a valuable point in their battle against relegation by holding Tottenham Hotspur, the manager's former club, to a scoreless draw at Loftus Road on Saturday.

QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar produced a number of outstanding saves to deny Tottenham the chance to move to within three points of second-place Manchester City, while a point allowed Redknapp's side to move off the bottom of the table ahead of Reading's clash with West Bromwich Albion.

The build-up to the match had focused on Redknapp's meeting with the club who dismissed him last season despite steering Spurs to a fourth-place finish.

Redknapp had insisted he bore no ill-feeling towards his former club nor his successor, Andre Villas-Boas, and the two managers greeted each other warmly before kick-off and again at the final whistle.

Redknapp had attempted to strengthen his squad ahead of this clash, flying out to France in a bid to convince Marseille's Loic Remy to join QPR's survival battle, only to be rebuffed by the forward.

At least he was able to call on Ryan Nelsen, who has been installed as Toronto FC manager but has stayed to help with the relegation battle at Loftus Road.

Villas-Boas, meanwhile, restored his senior players after rotating his squad for the FA Cup last weekend, with Hugo Lloris returning in goal and Aaron Lennon back in the starting line-up.

Emmanuel Adebayor was also making his final appearance before heading to the Africa Cup of Nations with Togo.

Nelsen and QPR's defenders were under pressure in the early stages as Spurs created the first openings and Julio Cesar kept the hosts level.

Jermain Defoe's 20-yard drive was tipped against the post by the Brazilian and Julio Cesar also saved superbly when Adebayor latched onto the rebound.

Shaun Wright-Phillips had QPR's first effort, cutting in from the left and finding room in the penalty area, before his effort was deflected by Michael Dawson for a corner.

The winger also went wide just before the break after an exciting run.

Spurs were forced into a change after 25 minutes when Sandro landed awkwardly and injured his left knee, with Adebayor helping him off the pitch.

With England manager Roy Hodgson watching from the stands, Scott Parker came on to replace Sandro as he eases his way back to action following his Achilles operation in the summer.

QPR were successful in keeping the visitors quiet in the first half, with Spurs' frustration illustrated by Mousa Dembele picking up a yellow card for a foul on Jamie Mackie.

Tottenham responded to a drab first half by stepping up the tempo after the restart and again forcing Julio Cesar into action.

The keeper stood his ground to repel a Gareth Bale free-kick before producing a more eye-catching save with his legs from Defoe after the striker had rounded Nedum Onuoha before firing in a low drive.

Kyle Walker then assumed free-kick responsibilities for the visitors, firing narrowly over the bar after Nelsen had brought down Lennon on the edge of the area, but Spurs were unable to build on that period of sustained pressure and the game again lost momentum.

Rangers' main threat came on the counter-attack, particularly when Adel Taarabt broke forward, and the Morocco international created an excellent opening for Fabio da Silva, whose low cross flashed across the face of goal.

And when Wright-Phillips failed to make the most of two half-chances late on, it appeared inevitable the match would drift towards a draw.


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