Saturday at Loftus Road was the first time Chelsea failed to score in a match this season but Roberto Di Matteo has reiterated his faith in his strike force as he looks back on the game.
Fernando Torres, the starting centre-forward, endured a frustrating afternoon, one which was brought to an end when he was replaced by Daniel Sturridge with 10 minutes remaining.
The Spanish striker opted to head straight to the changing room but while Di Matteo could understand the disappointment, the Italian also explained that with a heavy schedule in the coming weeks, the full depth of his squad will need to be utilised.
‘Players are generally not happy to come off, he [Torres] showed a bit of frustration but it’s not a problem for us, we move on and focus on the next game,’ Di Matteo said.
‘Against QPR it was difficult to create a lot of chances, we had a lot of corners and a couple of very good opportunities, but sometimes if you have five or six chances you have to take one and score that goal, especially away from home because usually at home you will create more.
‘I thought we played very well, especially in the first half when we were very strong. We created some good chances. Hazard and Torres both had chances but QPR’s new goalkeeper [Julio Cesar] was worth the money they paid.
‘Torres worked very well and he had a chance to score in the first half and a half-decent chance in the second half as well, he played his part in the game,’ noted Di Matteo.
‘We can’t put too much pressure on one player, we are a team and everybody has responsibility and we are looking for other players to score goals as well, Hazard had two great chances and on another day he might have scored.
‘We’ve only played four league games up to now, and including QPR we have a run of seven games in 21 days, so there will be a chance for everybody.’
As an attacking unit, we improved following the introduction of Sturridge and debutant Victor Moses, who offered pace and width as legs tired in the closing stages.
Sturridge is yet to start in the league thus far this season, but Di Matteo, who expects to welcome Juan Mata back into the squad for Wednesday’s visit of Juventus in the Champions League, offered words of encouragement to the 23-year-old.
‘I thought the substitutions that we made had a big impact on the game, they were very lively when they came on, so we have options.
‘The biggest help for Sturridge will be to play more minutes and show his qualities, but as long as he keeps on training well he will get chances to play. I’ve played him wide, and he came on through the middle, but he will get more chances.
‘Mata will be available for selection for Wednesday, it’s probably too early for [Marko] Marin. We’ve got some knocks and bruises so we will assess the players.’