5 talking points: QPR 0-2 Manchester United

Man United beat QPR 2-0 at Loftus Road today and it was a comprehensive win. Set on their way by a wonder goal from Rafael (you sure he’s a rightback?), United overcame the blow of RvP’s substitution through a hip injury to go on and win the game via a Giggs goal. Here are the five talking points from the match:

1 – Classy United Performance: This was a classy showing from the away side. They were professional from the outset and always looked in control of the situation. QPR needed 3 points and they tried but couldn’t break down the well set United backline. Everyone played well and had it not been for some blocks and misses, it would have been a 4-0 easy. One must salute the team for the business-like way in which they dealt with the home side’s threat. Calm and unflappable.

2 - Evergreen Giggs: There was a post on Facebook 2-3 days which showed the ages of Giggs’ current team mates when he debuted for United. Well, 22 years on and as he mesmerised the football populace then, he mesmerised them now. He scored the 2^nd goal and hit the post besides creating chances for the likes of Rooney and Welbeck time and again. He was at the heart of almost all that United did and his positioning for the 2^nd goal was so typical of him. He finished smartly and went on to put crosses and hit the bar as well. You really have to marvel at the guy. 39 years old and he plays as if he’s never aged. A legend like no other.

3 - Solid show from QPR: In my opinion, the home side did nothing to embarrass their fans. They slogged it out against the runaway BPL leaders and tried very hard to take the 3 points which they desperately needed. They lost to a wonder strike from Rafael and a late goal from Giggs which could happen to anyone. They were solid defensively with Hill and Samba especially being rock-like at the back. There were quite a few crucial blocks made to deny the away side a 3-0 or a 4-0 advantage which shows that QPR were acutely aware of the goal difference factor. Their attackers tried hard and Remy went close with a good shot and Samba had a header cleared off the line by the brilliant Rafael. All in all, a performance to take heart from for QPR. If they can do this and get a bit of luck in their remaining 11 matches, avoiding the drop will become a reality for the Rs.

4 - Rafael’s mature showing: Yes I know. His goal is a GOLAZO. One of the strikes of the season. Beats Johnson’s goal at West Ham by a mile. He hit it perfectly and Cesar knew he had absolutely no chance with it. He didn’t even dive. An amazing goal, his 3^rd in the league this season. He also set up RVP with a fantastic floated ball which any winger would be proud of. His defensive play was an indication of his growing maturity. He was solid and didn’t allow much to go past him. He is fast becoming one of the better rightbacks in Europe and this showing in a tough environment adds a feather to his cap. His brother Fabio would be immensely proud of him.

5 - Title looks sewn up: Let me stick my neck out here and say that the title race is finished. 11 games to go and 15 (12 if City beat Chelsea tomorrow; ought to be a cracker!) points ahead, United look in ominous form. They just look unbeatable. They are solid at the back, the keeper’s shining nowadays, Carrick’s having a great season, wingers are coming back into form (Nani and Young both looked sharp and smart in their play and thought process today. Nani’s assist for Giggs’ goal was proof that he’s learned not to shoot at every chance. Great to see him building on the Reading showing) and even though RvP got a hip injury today (hope he isn’t seriously injured!), the team didn’t blink at all and went about business as usual. That is the hallmark of champions. Win with whoever you’ve got.

This game was always going to be a tight one and so it was. Both teams set out to play with certain game plans and it was the away side which executed its plan perfectly. A performance which was champion-esque in character.