It may be the season of goodwill but there were no early Christmas presents from Burnley for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in his first game in charge of QPR.

Grant Hall almost stole victory with a stoppage-time header, but generally Rangers lacked the cutting edge in a 0-0 stalemate to unlock a solid Burnley rearguard and until the late drama it was the Clarets who looked the more dangerous in the second half.

So what did we learn from the action at Loftus Road?

1. The Unlucky One

Charlie Austin Of Queens Park Rangers
Not fit enough to start: Charlie Austin Of Queens Park Rangers

Hasselbaink dubbed himself the Chosen One at the unveiling on Monday, but he wasn't the lucky one today.

Charlie Austin was not fit enough to start and though Hasselbaink has been careful to spout the mantra it is a team game, without their talisman up front Rangers lacked a cutting edge.

2. Going with experience

Quite the opposite with experienced Karl Henry restored to the starting line-up. The man to make way youngster Michael Petrasso. After a week when Director of Football Les Ferdinand had waxed lyrical about the need for home-grown talent in the Hasselbaink era it was a notable omission.

3. Popular choice

New QPR manger: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

The former Chelsea striker got an almost universal standing ovation from the Loftus Road faithful, who later coaxed a wave from the man they hope can lead them back to the Promised Land of the Premiership.

On this evidence though there is hard work ahead.

4. Joey Barton's return

Former Hoop: Joey Barton in Burnley colours

At a time of year famed for pantomime villains, the outspoken, controversial and sometimes bad boy of football was spared the boos by Rangers fans appreciative of the fact they were usually better with than without him during his spell with the hoops. He got less sympathy though after being temporarily pole-axed by a Sandro pile-driver in the first half.

5. Training, tactics, tinkering

Relaxed: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink before the game

A high pressing game in the manner of Jurgen Klopp was evident in the first half, a tactic they paid for in the second as they tired and Burnley took charge.

Not too much Christmas pudding on the agenda over Christmas you would think.

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