QPR manager Harry Redknapp later questioned his team's depth after their winless streak continued to 15 games.

That situation was only made worse with Stephanie Mbia stretchered off with a suspected neck injury and taken straight to hospital as a precaution.

Both sides started well in front of an passionate crowd at Loftus Road, but it was the visitors who struck first inside the opening 10 minutes through a stunning goal by Holman before the hosts grabbed an equaliser courtesy of a Jamie Mackie header.

Ashley Westwood found Holman just outside the penalty area and the Australian took a touch before smashing a stinging half-volley towards goal, which Green could only touch into his own net.

But it was fantastic link-up between Gabriel Agbonlahor and Benteke which led to the chance, with the latter showing good strength to fend off the defensive pairing of Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen earlier in the move.

The home side then began to find their way back into the game, quickly netting an equaliser.

Jose Bosingwa raced down the right before finding Samba Diakite on the edge of the area. The Malian produced an excellent cross toward the far post, and Mackie rose highest to nod past Brad Guzan.

Almost immediately after the re-start Villa had the ball in the net through Benteke, but Howard Webb correctly ruled that the Belgian was offside.

Wright-Phillips then went close twice in quick succession, with both opportunities coming from passes over the top of the Villa defence.

Guzan did well to rush out and narrow the angle for the first, forcing the winger to shoot straight at him. But the 31-year-old did better with the second, taking the chance early and smashing the ball against the post.

QPR started the second half much like the first, creating two fantastic chances within the first 15 minutes, but neither Wright-Phillips nor Park managed to find the back of the net.

The home side continued to pepper the visitors' goal through the half and were unfortunate not to snatch a winner in the closing stages.

Redknapp's worries about team depth will not have been eased after he was forced to replace Stephane M'Bia.

Samba Diakite was also taken off as an injury concern but Redknapp said both incidents seemed accidental.

Speaking after the game, the 65-year-old said: "(M'Bia is) not too bad, just got a bit of a neck injury. Diakite has just got a kick on the calf.
 
"We're OK in some positions and desperately short in others – up front and at centre-back.

"We've got two 35-year-olds at the back. Came up against that big lad up top (Christian Benteke) and I think he's a star in the future."

When asked if he would resort to spending money during the January transfer window, Redknapp was quick to quash the idea.

"No, I wouldn't spend loads of money in January, wouldn't be fair on the owners, I would advise them not to," he said.

"What are you going to do? Load your squad up with players and wages. If we're in touching distance we might bring in one or two."

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert said he was pleased with his side's effort, but believes they just lacked the finishing touch.

When asked about Darren Bent's impact on his return to the side, the Scot said:"Darren Bent is a good player, didn't really think they were a threat after that first spell – one-way traffic in the second half.

"They could easily have lost their heads after going behind, couldn't fault the effort, they've all had a go, they've all tried.

"I've got what we've got and we've got to get out with this lot. We just needed a goal, didn't we?"