Taarabt’s dribbles QPR vs Berbatov’s improved work rate for Fulham
QPR v Fulham, Saturday 15:00
– QPR now hold the unwelcome record of the longest winless start to a Premier League season, but on the positive side are undefeated under Harry Redknapp with three draws since he took charge.
– Ryan Nelson and Dijbril Cisse were both on target in their latest draw, a 2-2 tie with Wigan.
– Adel Taarabt is as enigmatic a talent as they come, his form often dipping despite his undoubted ability. He appears to be finding his feet with QPR though, terrorizing defences this season with 16 dribbles
– Harry Redknapp made it perfectly clear when he joined QPR that he expected effort levels to rise significantly from his players and some of them have clearly took his words to heart. Stephane M’Bia in particular rose to the challenge last weekend, pushing himself to a 6.59 mile total.
– Esteban Granero was perhaps a surprise signing for many R’s fans who nonetheless would have been delighted to see a player of his quality arrive at Loftus Road. However the Spanish midfielder has apparently been struggling to adapt to the defensive side of his work since his arrival in the summer, given his 50% success rate from 56 attempted challenges and 27 fouls.
– Despite only playing 497 minutes of football this season, Nedum Onuoha has certainly contributed positively when he come on. He has a solid 79% tackle success rate and has only conceded 2 fouls.
– Fulham had failed to score in five hours of football before Steve Sidwell put them ahead in their 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Monday night. Hugo Rodallega added a second heading in a Damien Duff free kick to earn the Cottagers a much needed victory.
– Martin Jol played Dimitar Berbatov in a deeper role against Newcastle and the Bulgarian striker, often maligned for his work rate, responded by covering more ground than he has in any game this season with 5.95 miles.
– The victory wasn’t easy, however, and veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer proved his worth once again making an incredible 13 saves in the game, the second highest by a keeper in a single game this season.
– Steve Sidwell has always been willing to work hard for every team he’s been a part of and Fulham is no different. He racked up 6.71 miles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index whilst helping his team towards a crucial victory.
– The 30-year old midfielder is also a crucial cog defensively in the Fulham team, given that he currently sits top of the EASPORTS Player Performance Index for tackles won with 51, complement a solid 60% overall tackle success rate.
– Fulham captain Brede Hangeland is the model of consistency and was recently described as ‘the perfect pro’ by his manager Martin Jol. He’s been living up to this moniker this season too, his reading of the game enabling him to compile a remarkable 77 interceptions.