Rangers remain unbeaten in the league in 2013 after holding on for a point against the champions. Here’s how we rated the players in their 0-0 draw at Loftus Road.
Julio Cesar: 8
Uncertain early on and is still adjusting to the English game which, for all his pedigree, is not like anything he will have faced before. Loves a Hollywood save and knows how to turn a decent stop into a brilliant-looking one. But there’s no time for that with instinctive saves low down in the corners or near a keeper’s feet – they’re the ones that tell you what a keeper’s made of – and Cesar produced the goods to deny David Silva in the closing minutes.
Nedum Onuoha: 7
Risky late challenge on Scott Sinclair which might have led to a penalty. Overall though, did well against his former club.
Ryan Nelsen: 8
A fine display in his farewell match. His departure is a blow, but to get enough points to stay up Rangers need a quick centre-back so they can play without a sitting midfielder and attack.
Clint Hill: 9
Absolutely outstanding at the back. When it comes to guts, commitment and doing his job for the team he can always be relied upon, but this was one of his very best displays for Rangers in terms of the quality of his individual performance.
Armand Traore: 7
Had his work cut out at times but hung in there defensively and got forward to support Adel Taarabt when possible.
Shaun Derry: 7
Did his job of providing no-nonsense cover in front of the back four and frustrated City.
Fabio: 7
Has played really well lately and did so on the right of midfield, where he offered Onuoha good cover and got forward at every opportunity. Good on the ball and times a tackle well. Really seems to be finding some momentum.
Esteban Granero: 6
Did his best and isn’t unwilling to put a shift in. Often second to the ball though and was occasionally wasteful in decent positions.
Stephane Mbia: 7
In a more advanced midfield role than his most natural positions. Sloppy at times but always committed and full of running.
Adel Taarabt: 8
Rangers’ most effective attacking player. Produced moments of wonderful skill, even by his standards, and was denied by a brilliant save from Joe Hart in the first half.
Loic Remy: 6
Struggled to get into the game as Rangers were pinned back in their own half. A goal poacher probably more suited to how Harry Redknapp wants QPR to play post-deadline rather than how they are having to play before he can further add to the squad.
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This post was last modified on 30/01/2013
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Looks fair to me Dave. Granero suffered a bit from groans in the crowd but once he drove into tackles a bit the crowd backed him again and he was better. His dead ball skills though have deserted him. Practice? Confidence? Fabio in the Mackie role was excellent and provided good cover against their attacks. And what a game from Taarabt - all the things he wasn't doing a couple of seasons ago - tracking back, tackling, committed all the way through the game - a top player.