N’Zogbia’s late leveller spoils Cisse’s dream debut
ASTON VILLA 2 vs QPR 2
QPR manager Mark Hughes believes new signing Djibril Cisse will deliver the goals to preserve his side’s Premier League status after the France striker scored just 12 minutes into his debut to help earn a point at Villa Park last night.
Stephen Warnock’s unfortunate own goal put the visitors into a 2-0 lead but Darren Bent pulled one back before the break and Charles N’Zogbia’s first goal since his summer switch from Wigan 11 minutes from time robbed Hughes of his first away win since his appointment at the beginning of last month.
Rather than dwell on the loss of two crucial points, however, Hughes, whose side are now three points clear of the drop zone, chose to lavish praise on his £4m deadline day purchase from Lazio.
“We were absolutely delighted with the impact Djibril made,” said Hughes, who also handed debuts to fellow January recruits Taye Taiwo and Nedum Onuoha. “I think everybody saw his qualities. He was tired towards the end and I had to take him off. He’s had a long few days and we had to protect him. There’s so much more to come from him, but he’s made a promising start.”