Liverpool 2-1 Queens Park Rangers – The Reds grabbed only a second win in six Premier League games to move three points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth place.
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Philippe Coutinho scored the opener as we dominated the opening exchanges but Leroy Fer bundled in a surprise equaliser mid-way through the second-half. Steven Gerrard then missed a penalty, only to redeem himself ten minutes later by heading home the winner from close range.
Read the full Liverpool player ratings below:
GK) Simon Mignolet – 6/10
Could do little about the goal. Made one good save from Fer earlier in the game but otherwise had little else to do. He’s becoming more and more reliable between the posts with every game that passes, much to our delight.
RB) Emre Can – 7/10
Looked solid at the back, winning seven out of eight tackles and keeping Rangers’ wide-men quiet. Surely the German needs to be playing in midfield next season, once Gerrard departs for his swansong in the States?
CB) Martin Skrtel – 6/10
A mixed bag for the Slovakian, who was caught out for Rangers’ goal, losing track of Fer and allowing him all the time in the world to slot home. Responded by winning us a penalty, only to see Gerrard’s effort saved.
CB) Dejan Lovren – 6/10
Not that Skrtel was totally to blame for the goal, both centre-halves were left looking at each other in bewilderment. Other than that, it was another solid outing from the Croatian, who continues to improve.
LB) Glen Johnson – 5/10 (Markovic – 85′)
Another unfortunately uninspired performance from the full-back, whose time at Anfield looks to be up. Gerrard will get the headlines and rightly so, but could this be the last time we see Johnson playing at Anfield?
DM) Steven Gerrard – 7/10 (Lucas – 89′)
Looked more like his former self today, getting involved in as much as he could and charging forward at every opportunity. His penalty miss was a horrible moment but it will now be quickly forgotten after a wonderful goal.
CM) Jordan Henderson – 7/10
His best performance since signing his new contract. Always on the ball and constantly a threat. Played one wonderful pass for Raheem Sterling, only to see the youngster fluff his lines when he should have scored.
CM) Adam Lallana – 7/10 (Ibe – 68′)
Excellent performance on his return to the starting line-up. Full of running, full of pressing and exactly what we’ve been looking for him all season. If he can continue this sort of form moving forward then he could yet be a success.
AM) Philippe Coutinho – 8/10
Scored the first; made the second. Anyone that says this man doesn’t deserve his PFA nominations clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about. The Brazilian is the heartbeat of this Liverpool team who can’t exist without him.
AM) Raheem Sterling – 5/10
Looked more dangerous than he has done recently but was wasteful in front of goal. Strayed offside when he might have scored in the first-half and then blazed over in the second after he was played in by Jordan Henderson.
ST) Rickie Lambert – 7/10
A decent day for the big-man in the absence of Mario Balotelli. He held the ball up well and caused plenty of problems for QPR. We can’t expect him to produce if we give him ten minutes, he needs more chances like this.
Subs:
1) Jordon Ibe – 6/10 – Looked dangerous and used his pace to get Nedum Onuoha sent-off.
2) Lazar Markovic – 6/10 – Another short-lived cameo from the young Serbian.
3) Lucas Leiva – 5/10 – Came on to allow Gerrard his incredible send-off.
