Edin Dzeko hails QPR

LEVEL BEST ... Edin Dzeko is congratulated by Sergio Aguero after equalising for City

EDIN DZEKO reckons QPR gave Manchester City their toughest test this season.

The league leaders have only dropped points at Fulham in September's 2-2 draw.

But hitman Dzeko, who netted his 10th goal of the season in the 3-2 win at Lofus Road, says Neil Warnock's men gave City their biggest fright.

He said: "It was very tough but at the end we can be happy.

"I must say, they are the best team we have played against this season and I want to pay compliments to Queens Park Rangers.

"I was very surprised at how they played, how good they were, especially in the first half, and then again in the second half as well after we scored the third goal.

"We can be very happy to win."

Despite the win, sealed by Yaya Toure's late header, City boss Roberto Mancini was left to count the cost of a fixtures pile-up which has seen his side hit by injuries.

He said: "When you play every three days, it is impossible, every game can be hard. QPR played very well but in the end it was important that we won.

"We had some problems with Samir Nasri before the game — his knee — and we can't take any more risks with him after so many games so it is better we did not need him because his knee is not good.

"It was hard in the second half, even though we played better and scored to make it 2-1.

"We had three or four chances to close the game but when you don't close the game you take a risk because anything can happen."

Rangers boss Neil Warnock was proud of his players in defeat.

He said: "We said before the game people will write us off, we've only come together in a few weeks as a team.

"But we've played without fear today, we're disappointed of course. They were three silly goals defensively, individuals make mistakes and top players punish you.

"We've hit a couple of posts and it would have been interesting if Jamie Mackie had gone down in the box and given the referee a decision to make, but he's too honest for that.

"But I don't think they'll get a tougher test than that, so credit to the boys.

"It was a great game, you take your hats off to the lads. We have made individual mistakes, but their first goal was I think their first shot — 43 minutes — and that says a lot.

"In the end I think they were quite fortunate to get away with a win today.