QPR 1-1 Latics - Maloney gets Latics out of Jail

Shaun Maloney’s last gasp equaliser ensured the Latics left Loftus Road with a share of spoils after a disappointing performance which saw them struggle against ten man QPR.  

The Latics were unable to make their extra man advantage count following Bobby Zamora’s red card for his high challenge on Jordi Gomez that caught the Spaniard full on in the head.

 

Shaun Maloney

 

It seemed that Roberto Martinez men looked set to pay the ultimate price for their inability to break down their hosts, when Loic Remy sensationally smashed home past Joel Robles with only six minutes left.  

After enduring a frustrating afternoon the Latics looked set to bring an end to their recent unbeaten run when Maynor Figueroa’s free kick was charged down by Stephane Mbia, who then ran the length of the field to feed Remy, who side footed home from 25 yards.  

It was only then that there seemed to be any immediate urgency about the Latics play and they took full advantage of Mbia’s needless challenge on Maloney. The Scottish international picked himself up to lift the ball over the wall and into the back of the net to break QPR hearts, and surely putting an end to their own great escape.  

Despite the point the Latics are now in the bottom three and will return to league action with two games in hand on their direct rivals.  

The hosts headed into the game knowing they had to win to have any chance of pulling themselves out of danger and started the brightest striking the upright inside the opening ten minutes.  

The momentum of the game quickly changed once Zamora left referee Phil Dowd with no option but to show the red card after a brief discussion with his assistant.  

The Latics took control of the play from then and they finally began to threaten, but were unable to create any clear cut chances.  

Wigan continued to press without much joy and James McArthur spurned a golden opportunity when his free header was too easy for Julio Cesar. Shortly after came the QPR sucker punch and it looked as if the Latics recent unbeaten run would come to an end, but the goal kicked new life into the visitors and they punished their hosts at the death and surely in the process condemning them to relegation.  

Up next for Roberto Martinez’s men is their historic FA Cup semi final against Millwall on Saturday evening at Wembley, before they resume league action away to the current league champions Manchester City.

Rangers’ boss prepares for crucial run in

It has been a far from perfect start to life at Loftus Road for Mark Hughes, he has seen his side pick up a mere 5 points since he replaced Neil Warnock at the helm of the West London club.

Despite the dismal start the former Manchester City boss remains confident that his side have enough about them to secure a second season in the top flight and build for the future. Speaking after his side’s recent home defeat to derby rivals Fulham, Hughes called for discipline and reiterated his belief that his side have the quality to survive.

Mark Hughes

Indiscipline has played a huge part in QPR’s downfall this season with five players seeing red and new signing Djibril Cisse and Samba Diakite recently picking up costly bans.

What will worry Rangers’ fans is that their run in includes fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Unlike the teams around them after their trip to Bolton on Saturday they do not face anyone directly involved in the relegation scrap. 

Saturday’s can certainly be considered a so called “six pointer” as Hughes’ men face sides with aspirations of competing for the title and securing European football for next season. It looks as though it is going to be three from the current bottom five that will go down with the likes of Aston Villa and Swansea looking to have enough quality to not get dragged in.

It is clear that they should have much more points on the board by now just the way Norwich and Swansea have done.

Recent signings Bobby Zamora and Cisse will finally get to link up again after the former Liverpool man’s dismal half an hour into his home debut against Wolves. They have the pedigree to get the goals that Hughes needs but the big question is can they deliver when the pressure is really on?

Bobby Zamora 

At the back they have now conceded in eighteen consecutive matches, with their last clean sheet coming against Chelsea in their biggest success since their return to the elite. The character shown by his side to fight back from the setback of Everton’s early goal on Saturday will have encouraged Hughes but he will know the hard work starts at the Reebok.

The players have to come up big during the run in and the Loftus Road faithful are going to play a huge part in their battle to avoid the drop, Hughes remains confident in his side but he knows deep down that he faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career to date and simply cannot fail.

Hughes looks for goals to survive

The arrival of Djibril Cisse and Bobby Zamora on the final day of the transfer window remarkably means Mark Hughes has nine strikers to call upon at any given time in the fight for Premier League survival.

A number have failed this season to find the net notably Jay Bothroyd who just does not seem able to cut in the top flight, following his summer move from Cardiff. DJ Campbell showed last season showed that he knows where the net is last season having fired thirteen goals in an impressive first full season at the highest level. At first glimpse he looked a shrewd acquisition by Neil Warnock but has been beset by injuries and has struggled for a run in the team on his return.

Bobby Zamora

Heidar Helguson has carried the burden this season, the Icelandic international has bagged eight league goals and once in the FA Cup, but at the age of 34 his best years are behind him.

The opening of the window kicked off with the arrival of Federico Macheda from Manchester United on loan but he has struggled to impress and has lost his way following his great start to life in English football. A return to Manchester United will be on the cards for the Italian youngster, followed by a swift move back to his homeland in the summer.

As for the others injuries have played a huge part and a lack of consistency in the forward line selection resulted in the lack of goals and ultimately Warnock’s job. Jamie Mackie has impressed but cannot be relied upon to score.

Rob Hulse’s surprise selection at Villa Park on Wednesday raised a few eyebrows but according to sources close to the club he has been ‘flying’ in training and will be another key option for Hughes and his team to call upon during the run in.

Jay Bothroyd

There is no doubt that Zamora and Cisse are the men Hughes will entrust with the job of finding the back of the net and secure a mid table finish come May.

Today's game at home to Wolves is a massive game for all concerned. Wolves have endured a torrid run of late, without a win since the first weekend in December in the league and with their second half collapse against Liverpool prompting fury amongst the fans; they are there for the taking.  

Zamora will be paired with his new strike partner for the first time and they could not have asked for a better game to start with. A run of three home games in their next four and a trip to Blackburn could see them move clear.

Both players are controversial and have had issues throughout their careers’ but together they can be lethal and will do the business for QPR as they look to secure survival and then establish themselves as a force.