 Wednesday, 25th Jan 2012 01:49 by Clive Whittingham The dramatic events of October have reignited a West London rivalry between QPR and Chelsea that, for the Chelsea fans at least, had all but gone away in recent years. LFW looks back at the history of this fixture. Recent MeetingsQPR 1 Chelsea 0, Premiership, Sunday October 23, 2011 Rarely has there been a game like it at Loftus Road. The first competitive meeting with Chelsea in the Bush for more than 15 years turned into a controversial humdinger with Rangers eventually coming out on top by a single goal. That strike, a penalty from Heidar Helguson after David Luiz had foolishly shoved him in the back, was one of the first key moments on an aafternoon of high drama in W12. Rangers were in with a good chance of making it two when Shaun Wright-Phillips accelerated away from Jose Bosingwa and the Portuguese defender was sent off for hauling him down. By half time Chelsea’s discipline had gone completely in the face of a hostile atmosphere and Didier Drogba was also dismissed for a dreadful two footed tackle on Adel Taarabt. Playing with nine men Chelsea should have been on a damage limitation exercise but when Helguson missed a great chance to make it 2-0 it left the door open and Andre Villas-Boas’ side came close to equalising on several occasions. They had two large penalty shouts of their own when Luiz and Lampard were hauled back by Helguson and Hall in the QPR box and there were several near misses apart from that. Ashley Cole was lucky not to be the third man sent off for a poor challenge in stoppage time but referee Chris Foy decided to draw the game to a close instead. The after match discussion was dominated by an alleged racist remark made by Chelsea captain John Terry to QPR’s Anton Ferdinand – the subsequent court case will be heard next week. QPR: Kenny 7, Young 7, Ferdinand 9, Hall 8, Hill 8, Derry 7 (Mackie 81, -), Faurlin 7, Wright-Phillips 7, Barton 7, Taarabt 7 (Smith 61, 6), Helguson 8 Subs Not Used: Murphy, Orr, Bothroyd, Buzsaky, Puncheon Booked: Derry (foul), Barton (foul) Goals: Helguson 10 (penalty, won Helguson) Chelsea: Cech 6, Bosingwa 5, Terry 6, Luiz 5, Cole 6, Mikel 6, Meireles 7 (Malouda 72, 6), Lampard 7, Sturridge 6 (Ivanovic 36, 6), Drogba 5, Mata 6 (Anelka 45, 7) Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Romeu, McEachran, Kalou Sent Off: Bosingwa (33), Drogba (41) Booked: Mikel (foul), Lampard (foul), Ivanovic (foul), Luiz (repetitive fouling), Meireles (dissent), Cole (foul), Terry (ungentlemanly conduct)
Chelsea 1 QPR 0, League Cup, Wednesday September 23, 2009 The FA Cup meeting with Chelsea in 2008 came right at the start of the new money laced era at Loftus Road and six brand new signings were included in the QPR squad that day. By the time they returned to Stamford Bridge 18 months later they’d worked their way through three managers and were under the guidance of Jim Magilton. His appointment had not been met with any great deal of enthusiasm in W12 and Rangers had made a drab start to the year with a succession of draws against Blackpool, Plymouth, Peterborough and Nottingham Forest. But the R’s were about to click into form that would see them score 17 goals in four matches in a fortnight and that was preceded by a confident display at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup. Ultimately the game was decided by a scrappy Kalou goal but Wayne Routledge had clearly been fouled in the build up and Rangers were unfortunate not to take more from the game. Chelsea: Hilario 7, Ivanovic 7, Ferreira 6, Hutchinson 7 (Terry 77, 7), Belletti 7, Malouda 6 (Lampard 46, 8),Zhirkov 7( A Cole 69, 7), Mikel 8, J Cole 7, Borini 7, Kalou 7 Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Essien, Matic, Bruma Goals: Kalou 52 (assisted Cole) QPR: Heaton 8, Leigertwood 8, Stewart 8, Gorkss 8, Borrowdale 7, Routledge 7, Rowlands 9 (Ephraim 73, 7), Faurlin 8, Buzsaky 7, Vine 7 (Taarabt 66, 7), Simpson 7 (Pellicori 73, 6) Subs Not Used: Cerny, Ramage, Mahon, Agyemang Chelsea 1 QPR 0, FA Cup, Saturday January 5, 2008 These sides last met in the FA Cup in January 2008 when QPR were just starting their rebuilding job at the beginning of Flavio Briatore’s first transfer window in charge at Loftus Road. Manager Luigi De Canio gave debuts to four new signings at Stamford Bridge and had another two waiting for their first appearances from the bench. Ultimately the R’s, solid but lacking ambition on the day, succumbed to a soft goal when Claudio Pizarro’s low shot rebounded into the net off QPR keeper Lee Camp after hitting the base of the post. Martin Rowlands fired a second half shot over from similar distance but ultimately second half injuries to Blackstock and Buzsaky put paid to any hopes of QPR springing a shock. Chelsea: Hilario 7, Ferreira 8, Ben-Haim 7, Alex 7, Ashley Cole 6, Wright-Phillips 5 (Joe Cole 79, 6), Obi 6, Sidwell 8, Sinclair 5 (Drogba 60, 6), Kalou 6, Pizarro 7 (Ballack 71, 7) Subs Not Used: Taylor, Belletti Goals: Camp 28 og (assisted Pizarro) QPR: Camp 7, Hall 8, Stewart 8, Barker 7, Ainsworth 6 (Agyemang 46, 6), Connolly 8, Mahon 8, Rowlands 8, Ephraim 6 (Balanta 65, 6), Blackstock 6, Buzsaky 6 (Lee 50, 7) Subs Not Used: Bolder, Walton Booked: Hall (foul) Previous ResultsHead to Head >>> QPR wins 14 >>> Draws 17 >>> Chelsea wins 182011/12 QPR 1 Chelsea 0 (Helguson) 2009/10 Chelsea 1 QPR 0* 2007/08 Chelsea 1 QPR 0** 1995/96 Chelsea 1 QPR 1 (Barker) 1995/96 QPR 1 Chelsea 2** (Quashie) 1995/96 QPR 1 Chelsea 2 (Allen) 1994/95 Chelsea 1 QPR 0 1994/95 QPR 1 Chelsea 0 (Gallen) 1993/94 QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Ferdinand) 1993/94 Chelsea 2 QPR 0 1992/93 QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Allen) 1992/93 Chelsea 1 QPR 0 1991/92 Chelsea 2 QPR 1 (Allen) 1991/92 QPR 2 Chelsea 2 (Wilson, Peacock) 1990/91 Chelsea 2 QPR 0 1990/91 QPR 1 Chelsea 0 (Wegerle) 1989/90 QPR 4 Chelsea 2 (Ferdinand 2, Falco, Clarke) 1989/90 Chelsea 1 QPR 1 (Clarke) 1987/88 Chelsea 1 QPR 1 (Kerslake) 1987/88 QPR 3 Chelsea 1 (Bannister 3) 1986/87 QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Bannister) 1986/87 Chelsea 3 QPR 1 (Byrne) 1985/86 QPR 6 Chelsea 0 (Bannister 3, Byrne 2, Rosenior) 1985/86 Chelsea 1 QPR 0 1985/86 Chelsea 0 QPR 2* (McDonald, Robinson) 1985/86 QPR 1 Chelsea 1* (Byrne) 1984/85 Chelsea 1 QPR 0 1984/85 QPR 2 Chelsea 2 (Bannister, McDonald) 1982/83 Chelsea 0 QPR 2 (Sealy, Gregory) 1982/83 QPR 1 Chelsea 2 (Sealy) 1981/82 Chelsea 2 QPR 1 (Gregory) 1981/82 QPR 0 Chelsea 2 1980/81 QPR 1 Chelsea 0 (Langley) 1980/81 Chelsea 1 QPR 1 (Langley) 1979/80 Chelsea 0 QPR 2 (Busby, Burke) 1979/80 QPR 2 Chelsea 2 (C Allen 2) 1978/79 Chelsea 1 QPR 3 (Busby, Goddard, Roeder) 1978/79 QPR 0 Chelsea 0 1977/78 Chelsea 3 QPR 1 (James) 1977/78 QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Masson) 1974/75 QPR 1 Chelsea 0 (Thomas) 1974/75 Chelsea 0 QPR 3 (Givens 2, Francis) 1973/74 Chelsea 3 QPR 3 (Bowles 2, Givens) 1973/74 QPR 1 Chelsea 0**(Bowles) 1973/74 Chelsea 0 QPR 0** 1973/74 QPR 1 Chelsea 1 (Bowles) 1969/70 QPR 2 Chelsea 4** (Bridges, Venables) 1968/69 Chelsea 2 QPR 1 (Bridges) 1968/69 QPR 0 Chelsea 4 * - League Cup ** - FA Cup
Player ConnectionsJohn Spencer >>> Chelsea 1992-1997 >>> QPR 1997-1998 John Spencer was that oh so rare of things, a good signing by Stewart Houston and a half decent Scottish footballer. Rangers spent a then club record fee of £2.5m on the diminutive striker in November 1996 and were rewarded with 18 goals in his first season. Spencer graduated through the ranks at Rangers when a ban on English teams in Europe meant many fine players were plying their trade north of the border and the top Scottish league was actually worth watching every now and again. He spent time on loan with Morton and abroad and scored twice in 13 first team appearances for Graeme Souness’ team but his Catholic background made him a controversial figure at Ibrox and in 1992 he was transferred to London and Chelsea. He made more than 100 appearances during his time at Stamford Bridge and scored 43 goals. QPR fans knew all about him, he’d developed an unhappy knack of scoring against us in Chelsea colours including, oddly for a man of his stature, a thumping header in the game at Chelsea in 1996 shortly before Rangers were relegated. Following that demotion QPR dismissed Ray Wilkins three matches into the following season and appointed Arsenal coach Stewart Houston to replace him. The new man had Chris Wright’s millions to spend but took an inordinate amount of time deciding what exactly he wanted to do with the money. Finally, in November, he swooped for Spencer and Chelsea team mate Gavin Peacock. Spencer announced his arrival with a fine goal at the old Elm Park ground in Reading and celebrated it by running towards the packed away terrace shouting “I’m the fucking man.” Indeed he was that season, scoring for fun, but QPR lost that day at Reading and ended the season eighth. Houston paid big money for Mike Sheron to partner Spencer the following year but by that time the Scot had already had a row with assistant manager Bruce Rioch following a final day defeat at Bradford City and, with financial collapse just around the corner, Rangers started to struggle and Houston was sacked. His replacement Ray Harford had promised Chris Wright he’d win promotion to the Premiership given a chance to manager Spencer and Sheron together but it didn’t work out and Rangers ended up in the bizarre situation of battling relegation while their best player was on loan a division higher with Everton. Spencer went on to play for Motherwell and finished his career in the MLS with Colorado. He has since worked as assistant coach at Houston Dynamo for their two MLS title successes in 2006 and 2007 and his now head coach at Portland Timbers who made their MLS debut in 2011 when they just missed the play offs in the inaugural season. A talented player I always felt QPR failed to make the most of after his first outstanding season with the club. Others >>> Shaun Wright Phillips, Chelsea 2005-2008, QPR 2011-present >>> Scott Sinclair, Chelsea 2005-2010, QPR (loan) 2007 >>> Ben Sahar, Chelsea 2006-2009, QPR (loan) 2007 >>> Michael Mancienne, Chelsea 2006-2011, QPR (loan) 2006-2008 >>> Jimmy Smith, Chelsea 2005-2009, QPR (loan) 2006-2007 >>> Paul Furlong, Chelsea, 1994-1996, QPR (loan) 2000, (loan) 2002, 2002-2007 >>> Leon Knight, Chelsea 1999-2003, QPR (loan) 2001 >>> Gavin Peacock, QPR 1984-1987, 1996-2002, Chelsea 1993-1996 >>>John Spencer, Chelsea 1992-1997, QPR 1997-1998 >>> Ray Wilkins, Chelsea 1973-1979, (coach) 2000, (coach) 2009-2010, QPR 1989-1994, (player-manager) 1994-1996 >>> Clive Wilson, Chelsea 1987-1990, QPR 1990-1995 >>> Vinnie Jones, Chelsea 1991-1992, QPR 1998-1999 >>> Mick Harford, Chelsea 1992-1993, QPR (coach) 2006-2007, (manager) 2010 >>> Paul Parker, QPR 1987-1991, Chelsea 1997 >>> Mark Stein, QPR 1988-1989, Chelsea 1993-1998 >>> Nigel Spackman, Chelsea 1983-1987, 1992-1996, QPR 1989 >>> Roy Wegerle, Chelsea 1986-1988, QPR 1990-1992 >>> Steve Wicks, Chelsea 1974-1978, 1986-1988, QPR 1979-1981, 1981-1986 >>> Clive Walker, Chelsea 1976-1984 QPR 1986-1987 >>> Tommy Langley, Chelsea 1974-1980, QPR 1980-1981 >>> Derek Richardson, Chelsea 1974-1976, QPR 1976-1979 >>> Gary Chivers, Chelsea 1978-1983, QPR 1984-1987 >>> Mike Fillery, Chelsea 1978-1982, QPR 1983-1986 >>> Clive Allen, QPR 1978-1980, 1981-1984, Chelsea 1991-1992 >>> Tommy Cunningham, Chelsea 1973-1975, QPR 1975-1979 >>> Terry Venables, Chelsea 1960-1966, QPR 1969-1974, (manager) 1980-1984 >>> John Hollins, Chelsea 1963-1975, 1983-1984, (manager) 1985-1988, QPR 1975-1979, (coach) 1993-1997 >>> Dave Webb, Chelsea 1968-1974, (manager) 1993, QPR 1974-1977 >>> Dave Sexton, Chelsea (manager) 1967-1974, QPR (manager) 1974-1977 >>> Alan Mayes, QPR 1971-1974, Chelsea 1980-1983 >>> Tommy Docherty, Chelsea 1961-1962, (manager) 1962-1967, QPR (manager) 1968, (manager) 1979-1980 >>> Barry Bridges, Chelsea 1958-1966, QPR 1968-1970 >>> Allan Harris, Chelsea 1960-1964, QPR 1967-1971 >>> Les Allen, Chelsea 1954-1959, QPR 1965-1969, (manager) 1968-1971 >>> Allan Harris, Chelsea 1960-1964, 1966-67, QPR 1967-1971 >>> Alan Wilks, Chelsea 1963-1965, QPR 1965-1971 Memorable MatchQPR 4 Chelsea 2, First Division, Saturday December 9, 1989 It’s worth remembering just how raw and, at times, poor Les Ferdinand was in his initial years at QPR before achieving demi-god status at Loftus Road. Loaned out to Brentford and Besiktas in Turkey, Ferdinand probably would have been dumped altogether by QPR in the modern era. But when Don Howe took over from departing player manager Trevor Francis in 1989 he knew he had a talent on his hands and it was in the 1989/90 season that QPR fans got their first glimpse of what was to come from the former Hayes man. Ferdinand partnered experienced former Tottenham man Mark Falco in attack for a December home fixture against Chelsea. There was no shortage of guile and knowhow in midfield that day either, this was one of the few games the ageing combination of Peter Reid and Ray Wilkins appeared in midfield for the R’s and they spent what Wilkins would no doubt term a “very pleasant afternoon” torturing high-flying Chelsea into submission. The first goal was route one – Alan McDonald lofting a ball forward, Falco flicking it on and Ferdinand calmly finishing across the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the Chelsea net. But the visitors, playing in a typically ghastly away shirt, drew level soon after when Tony Dorigo crossed for Kerry Dixon to nod down and Alan Dickens slid home an unorthodox effort off the base of Tony Robert’s post down at the Loft End. The Blues, then managed by Bobby Campbell, didn’t look sure of themselves at the back at all and were almost caught out by another long ball forward, by David Bardsley this time, but having turned inside Graeme Roberts in the area Falco pulled his shot wide of the post. At the other end youth team graduate Roberts had to be at his athletic best to claw John Bumpstead’s well flighted volley out of the top corner and away to safety after he’d collected McDonald’s clearing header 30 yards from goal. And when Paul Parker then inadvertently diverted the ball against his own post in the midst of a goal mouth scramble it seemed as if the away team was getting on top. Step forward Les Ferdinand who dived and angled his body superbly to guide a deep free kick from Ray Wilkins agonisingly out of Dave Beasant’s reach and into the Chelsea net. All the talk was about Ferdinand’s performance at half time, but in the second half his veteran partner Falco rather stole the show. There seemed to be little danger when Chelsea half cleared their lines on the edge of the Loft End penalty area but Falco, for reasons known only to him, decided to adjust his body at a near right angle to the ground and execute an outlandish first time scissor kick as the ball dropped from the sky. Falco was famed for his volleyed shots, and had scored a marvellous goal against Liverpool from a similar position earlier in the campaign to seal a 3-2 win, but this was really quite something else. The ball arced majestically over Beasant and into the net to send the home crowd barmy. QPR’s Goal of the Season by a country mile, and one that is still spoken about to this day. Chelsea sent on Clive Wilson who would go onto enjoy a fantastic time with Rangers as a left full back but at this point in his career played more as an attacking left winger. His mazy dribble, ultimately halted by Roberts one on one, set up an open goal chance for Dixon that he somehow spooned high and wide into the disbelieving travelling support. Wilson stung the palms of Roberts again soon after but Rangers then made the game safe when their own substitute Colin Clarke sprung a creaky offside trap and lofted a cute finish past Beasant for the fourth. Newly promoted Chelsea scored a late consolation through Steve Clarke, and did eventually go onto finish fifth in the league leaving QPR trailing behind in eleventh. QPR: Roberts, Bardsley, Parker, McDonald, Maddix, Sansom, Sinton, Wilkins, Reid (Barker), Ferdinand (Clarke), Falco Highlights >>> QPR 4 Chelsea 2, 1989 >>> QPR 6 Chelsea 0 Highlights >>> Paul Furlong QPR career highlights Tweet @loftforwords Pictures – Action Images Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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