QPR stun nine-man Chelsea

by Tony Cuddihy , 23 October 2011

QPR stunned nine-man Chelsea at Loftus Road on Sunday, Heidar Helguson's first half penalty proving the difference between the two sides in a fiery encounter.


Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba both saw red for the Blues, while seven other Chelsea players were booked - including Ashley Cole, now suspended for a game.

The penalty, when it came, seemed innocuous as Luiz bumped into Helguson. The Icelandic veteran got up to convert while Hoops captain Joey Barton calmed down midfielder Adel Taarabt, who had wanted the chance to score.

Bosingwa saw red when he hauled down Shaun Wright-Phillips. Referee Mike Foy deemed the Portuguese to be the last defender and sent him off.

Shortly before half-time Drogba followed for a foolish lunge on Taarabt. Daniel Sturridge had been sacrificed for Branislav Ivanovic, while Nicolas Anelka replaced Juan Mata before the break.

Chelsea were actually the far better side after the break but their play was indisciplined.

Frank Lampard was doing his best to draw saves from Paddy Kenny, while Anelka should have scored from a brilliant cross from Ivanovic. Instead, he headed straight at Kenny.

Luiz marauded forward and almost scored from a bicycle kick but Lampard deflected his team-mate's effort over, while Petr Cech - of all people - almost connected with a header after Andre Villas Boas had sent everyone forward.

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