On 11 July 2012, Taarabt signed a new three-year contract with QPR, keeping him at the club until June 2016. On 1 October 2012, he scored his first goal of the season against West Ham United with a dipping long-range shot after dribbling past two players. He scored his second goal in three matches with an emphatic volley away against West Bromwich Albion on 6 October. On 15 December, he scored both goals in QPR's first victory of the 2012–13 season, a 2–1 win over West London rivals Fulham, the second with a mazy dribble ending with a finish on the outside of his foot. Manager Harry Redknapp praised Taarabt by stating, "It was one of the all-time great performances, I felt." On 2 January 2013, in QPR's second win of the season, a 1–0 away victory over rivals Chelsea, Taarabt was played in an unfamiliar striker position, gaining the Man of the Match award and assisting the only goal, described as "Pelé-esque".