Premier League: QPR 1 West Brom 1

QPR’s tagline of being the surprise team in the Premier League could not have been more evident against West Brom.

Heidar Helguson’s first-half header was met by a single defensive lapse in the second, which allowed Shane Long to steal a point for the visitors.

As has been the case in three previous draws for Neil Warnock’s side at Loftus Road this season, QPR’s diligence at the back for the majority of the match was undone in one foray forward from the visitors.

Although Peter Odemwingie should have been flagged offside before providing the assist for Long, the Republic of Ireland international was handed too much room to pounced on his strike partner’s pass.

QPR’s inconsistent form has largely been down to their poor defensive record but West Brom were greeted with a team intent on attack, and with Shaun Derry, the rugged defensive anchor, sacrificed, the onus was on Joey Barton and Alejandro Faurlin to orchestrate midfield in both departments.

The duo largely succeeded in the opening half, and combined they quashed the threat of James Morrison who was the furthest forward in midfield for the visitors, whilst proving plenty of opportunities for the lively Shaun Wright-Phillips and Helguson to get forward.

The opening chance went to the hosts, as Jamie Mackie twisted and turned Nicky Shorey before cutting the ball back to Wright-Phillips, whose first-time shot flew wide of Ben Foster’s goal.

West Brom’s line-up forced Shane Long into isolation and with both Danny Gabbidon and Anton Ferdinand both intent on eradicating early-season defensive blunders, the Republic of Ireland striker struggled to fashion chances for himself.

Similarly, the presence of Barton and Faurlin in midfield prevented frequent advances from Morrison and Mulumbu.

For all their forward-thinking, QPR’s attacking philosophy was rewarded in the 19th minute as Helguson netted his sixth of the season.

Shorey, the latest culprit of West Brom’s nonchalant approach to defending in recent weeks, squandered possession at the edge of his own area and while Mackie was unable to dribble past the left-back, Barton took control and his cross to the back post was met by the in-form Icelandic striker who headed firmly into the top corner.

Any retaliation from West Brom was not forthcoming as QPR pressed for the second. Wright-Phillips saw his arrowed shot past Foster into the top corner ruled out for offside, while Helguson had the opportunity to put the winger in with a one-on-one chance in the final minute of the first-half, but his ball was cut vitally cut out by Jonas Olsson.

QPR’s attacking verve carried into the early stages of the second half and with West Brom still unable to maintain strict organisation in defence, Barton was allowed a one-on-one with Foster but the midfielder spurned the opportunity, hitting the ball high and wide of the post.

West Brom looked out of ideas until Odemwingie’s introducing midway through the second-half. The Nigerian’s impact was crucial, however, as he dubiously sprung the offside trap to race clear of Luke Young before providing the ball for Long to equalise.

QPR failed to recover and despite enjoying the majority of possession and better chances, Warnock’s charges only have a point to show for their efforts.