QPR 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

QPR 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool travelled to London for their last match of 2012 hoping to bounce back with a win after their poor performance and result at Stoke on Boxing Day. It has been a rollercoaster of season for the men from Anfield, so a win at QPR would set them up nicely for the New Year. QPR have struggled this season, but their form has picked up recently under new manager Harry Redknapp and Liverpool would know to expect a tough match.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the side that lost at Stoke, with Sterling, Henderson and Joe Allen returning to the side, with Suso, Lucas and Shelvey dropping to the bench. The full team read as, Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Sterling, Downing, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson and Suarez, who was passed fit, although nursing a swollen ankle.

The Match

Brendan Rodgers wasn’t in attendance for the match at Loftus Road due to illness and was sent to his sick bed to prevent the chance of his illness spreading through the camp.

Rodgers must have felt a bit better with the way his team started the match as they took the game to the hosts. Suarez forced a save in the third minute when he shot from distance after rounding his man.

Then in the 10th minute Liverpool took the lead after a good passing move resulting in Henderson finding Suarez 30 yards out, the striker mesmerised Clint Hill before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Six minutes later the advantage was doubled when Suarez slalomed into the box and crossed for Raheem Sterling. The ball was cleared into the Uruguayan’s path and he again proved himself clinical, increasing his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions.

Liverpool were in the mood now and QPR couldn’t cope with their passing and movement as they tried to hang on. But Liverpool scored a third courtesy of Daniel Agger heading a cross from Gerrard into the net after a short corner with Downing.

Gerrard and Henderson had chances to add to the score, but QPR managed to hang on until half-time.

The second period began in the same way as the first, Suarez testing Julio Cesar, this time with a left-foot whack from just inside the area.
But that was where the similarities ended. QPR were now displaying resolve, and Armand Traore almost instigated a goal when he flashed the ball across the six-yard box. Jamie Mackie just couldn’t extend his foot far enough.

Liverpool found it more difficult in the second half to create chances with QPR reverting to three centre backs which made it more difficult for Liverpool to create chances. But although QPR had more possession in the second half, Liverpool were always comfortable and held on for a very good away win to end the year. The only disappointment was an injury to Enrique limping off in the second half.

Summary

Rodgers had to make changes after the poor performance at Stoke and it was good to see Henderson, Sterling and Joe Allen returning to the side. A great start to the match, similar to the Fulham match with the brilliantly taken early Suarez goal. Liverpool just kicked on from there and to get a second goal so quickly really helped Liverpool to show their quality as QPR couldn’t cope with the movement and Liverpool should have scored more, although Agger finished the match as a contest with a third. The second half Liverpool took their foot off the gas, and QPR did play better, without threatening and Liverpool strolled through the second half for a comfortable 3-0 win. Luis Suarez was once again the best player on the park and scored two brilliant goals to cap his performance. Gerrard was also impressive in midfield and has looked more like his old self in recent games. A good performance and very important win for Liverpool to bounce back from the Stoke defeat.