Tottenham 2 QPR 1: We’re left scratching our heads, says Hughes

Tottenham 2 QPR 1: Mark Hughes admits the Hoops were left scratching their heads after losing to Spurs at White Hart Lane

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By TSR staff Sunday 23 September 2012, 19:59 UK

Tottenham

QPR

Mark Hughes admitted Queens Park Rangers were left scratching their heads after Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to win at White Hart Lane.

Bobby Zamora finished from close range to give the visitors a first-half lead, before Alejandro Faurlín’s own goal restored parity in the London derby on the hour mark.

And André Villas-Boas’s side secured their first home win of the season a minute later when Jermain Defoe completed a sweeping Spurs move after Gareth Bale had struck the crossbar.

“We’re scratching our heads somewhat as to how we didn’t get something out of the game,” said Hughes. “I thought our performance from start to finish was excellent.

“We were outstanding in the first half and totally dominated.

“Brad [Friedel] kept them in it during the first half, because we could have been out of sight.

“We took the game to them and were exceptional value for the 1-0 lead at the break.”

“They had to change things around at half-time and changed their shape.

“We gave them a little bit of a helping hand with the own goal, but we’re very disappointed with the referee in regard to the second goal.

“There was an initial foul on Esteban and then another on Nedum as he was trying to recover the situation.

“We were disappointed with the performance of the referee on that occasion as well as many others throughout the match.”

Despite continuing their miserable away record in the Premier League, Hughes was encouraged by QPR’s display against Spurs.

“Our performance was at the level it needs to be at in the Premier League,” added Hughes.

“The standard we produced last week in the draw against Chelsea was very impressive, but I thought we took it up another level today, which is why we’re all desperately disappointed not to get anything from the game.”