Andre Villas-Boas praised John Terry’s defensive display following Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over QPR in the FA Cup fourth round.
Juan Mata scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot at Loftus Road, after referee Mike Dean awarded a spot-kick as Daniel Sturridge went down in the area under the challenge of Clint Hill.
The build-up to the match was dominated by Anton Ferdinand and Terry, following their encounter in the Premier League fixture at the same ground earlier in the season.
Villas-Boas said: “It was a good solid display defensively. This last January since Aston Villa we have organised ourselves a little bit better in defence without conceding so many goals.
“Individually from John it was an excellent performance, very focused and he managed to get off-field events out of his mind and concentrate fully on his job.”
There was no pre-match handshake between the two teams, a decision that was made on Friday. Villas-Boas was informed before the game on Saturday and was happy with the move.
“I was informed of the decision 45 minutes before the game. What I know is there was a lot of expectancy towards what would have happened on that handshake,” he added.
“I think it was a wise decision bearing in mind the expectancy. It was wise not to do it because it could have an impact on crowd behaviour straight after.
“I think the decision of both clubs plus the FA was sensible. It was a question of avoiding troubled situations.
“Emotions were kept low on a very emotional West London derby, both teams set out to play football.”
On the backing from the travelling fans, the Portuguese remarked: “It was positive, we managed to fill out all of the stand with good support throughout the game. I think we erase this animosity when we play away from home, it’s the environment we want to transfer to Stamford Bridge.
“Stamford Bridge is a much more anxious stadium and when we play away it is much more supportive, much more chanting.”
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