A lack of chances forced the two sides to settle for a point as Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace played out a goalless draw at Loftus Road.

Both teams enjoyed spells on top, with Palace striking the post through Jason Puncheon before QPR finished strongly to put the visitors under pressure late on.

Below, Sports Mole looks at the key talking points from each side's final game of 2014.

Match statistics

QPR
Shots: 11
On target: 3
Possession: 54%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 11

CRYSTAL PALACE
Shots: 10
On target: 3
Possession: 46%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

A draw was certainly the right outcome. On a day when attacking quality was low, neither side could really argue that they did enough to pick up all three points. Despite starting poorly and allowing Palace to get onto the front foot, QPR improved as the match progressed to take control late on.

There were times when each side looked to be close to finding the winner, but Julian Speroni and Robert Green only really had to make one difficult save each. It was a real battle between two teams fighting to stay in the Premier League, and both will need to improve to pick up more wins.

QPR's performance

It was a welcome return home for Loftus Road, but Harry Redknapp's side lacked the attacking threat which they usually show in front of their own supporters. Bobby Zamora was back in the side to partner the in-form Charlie Austin. However, both were left isolated by QPR's struggles to keep the ball further up the pitch. It was a rare quiet afternoon for Austin, who struggled to make an impact despite putting in an impressive shift.

Richard Dunne returned to form a solid partnership with Steven Caulker at the back, and Redknapp will be pleased with how his side defended. The hosts just lacked that extra piece of quality, or luck, needed to break down a stubborn Palace defence.

Crystal Palace's performance

As mentioned above, Palace were at the top of their game from a defensive point of view. After parting company with Neil Warnock on Saturday, some may have expected the visitors to struggle under the guidance of caretaker manager Keith Millen. However, the travelling fans were treated to the sort of display they were used to seeing last season, when Palace were notoriously difficult to beat. Scott Dann led by example in defence with a superb display, but everyone made a contribution.

In attack, it's clear that there are problems. Yannick Bolasie and Puncheon were lively once again, but the latter in particular frustrated his teammates with a lack of an end product. After being given the task of starting in a central attacking role, Wilfried Zaha did not look comfortable and he did most of his best work out wide. It could be a busy January for the Eagles, but they should be pleased with this display after a hectic couple of days.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Mile Jedinak: The captain is a hero to Palace supporters, and it's easy to understand why when he produces performances like this one. Quiet simply, Jedinak was everywhere. The midfielder made a number of vital clearances in the box to keep out the hosts, and he played a key role in cutting off the service to Austin. Palace's defence were impressive, but they must thank the big man in front of them.

Biggest gaffe

Junior Hoilett can perhaps feel unlucky to be blessed with this dubious honour, but he somehow managed to slice wide of the target after being gifted a brilliant chance to hit the back of the net late on. QPR didn't get many of those opportunities.

What next?

QPR: Redknapp's side are at home again on New Year's Day when Swansea City make the trip from Wales.

Palace: Millen is likely to still be in charge when Palace take on Aston Villa on the same day.