GettyImagesAston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan shows his frustration after Jermaine Jenas gave QPR the lead

The problem with leaving things until the end of the season, is that while QPR play teams that they are capable of beating, often the opponents are just one or two wins away from salvation and fighting for their lives themselves.

- Hughes: Villa win thriller to edge towards safety
- Redknapp keeps the faith at QPR

Thus a 3-2 victory for Aston Villa against QPR was always going to be about easing the pressure - not exactly a necessity, though not to be sniffed at.

For QPR every match is a must-win game - and after two wins on the bounce a third was just a step too far.

After looking like the only side at Villa Park in the first half capable of scoring, QPR duly obliged when Villa gave the ball away in midfield.

But a goal conceded on the stroke of half-time was what ultimately undone a spirited performance by Rangers. It is the kind of sloppiness that has cost the Rs dear this season.

And it was such a shame to spoil what had been one of the most positive halves of football from a QPR side since promotion from The Championship.

Brad Guzan had been forced to make six saves - included a parry from a Bobby Zamora shot that was followed in by Jermaine Jenas for the opening goal - before Julio Cesar failed to come for a cross that Gabi Agbonlahor guided home to end the first-half.

And a period of dominance was enough to give Villa the lead after the break - poor defensive work gave Andreas Weimann the time and space to fire home from the edge of the area.

But this QPR side now has goals in it and the equaliser came against the run of play when Andros Townsend fired home with 20 minutes to play.

However, Andreas Weimann was involved again - crossing to Christian Benteke to ease home possibly the simplest of his 17 goals this season.

Redknapp could not be faulted for trying to chase the equaliser. Adel Taarabt reappeared in a QPR shirt and looked dangerous. Off came Fabio. At one stage there were at least four front men on - but Villa held firm (although using ball boys to waste time at the end should be beneath a club with the class of Aston Villa).

Though it would be nice to have got a draw out of this one, I never had Villa down for the drop. Put it this way, I'll be watching Sunderland on Sunday with interest - now they are eminently catchable.

Next up for QPR are Fulham away (down the road) and Wigan at home. Both are winnable games.

Follow Sean Smith on Twitter @seanshorn

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email