MX23RW : Tuesday, March 19 03:13:04| >> :60:3539:3539:
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QPR logo
Premier League
Oct 19, 2014 at 1.30pm UK
 
Liverpool logo

2-3

Vargas (87', 92')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Dunne (67' og.), Coutinho (90'), Caulker (95' og.)

Live Commentary: Queens Park Rangers 2-3 Liverpool - as it happened

Relive the remarkable final few minutes of Liverpool's 3-2 Premier League win over QPR at Loftus Road, courtesy of Sports Mole's live text coverage.
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Liverpool moved up to fifth in the Premier League table courtesy of a frantic 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road this afternoon.

The hosts hit the woodwork twice in the first half but found themselves behind after the break when Richard Dunne scored yet another own goal from Glen Johnson's cross.

Eduardo Vargas levelled the scores in the 87th minute for QPR, sparking a rush of four goals in the final seven minutes as Philippe Coutinho put the Reds back in front before Vargas got a second.

The winner came with one of the last actions of the match, and it was another own goal for the hosts as an unfortunate Steven Caulker bundled Raheem Sterling's pass into his own net.

You can read how an incredible 90 minutes unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.


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Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's Premier League clash between rock-bottom Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool at Loftus Road. Both teams are in need of a victory following disappointing starts to the campaign, so we should have an entertaining spectacle ahead of us in London. Let's start with a look at the hosts today...

QPR have found things tough upon their return to the top flight. Having scraped through the playoffs to earn promotion to the Premier League last season, they have made a very slow start to the campaign and, as a result, find themselves bottom of the table after seven matches. There is, of course, a long way to go this season, but already the Hoops are four points from safety, and they need to start picking up results sooner rather than later if they are to drag themselves away from trouble.

Results are also a must for Harry Redknapp himself, with his job being put under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks. He was expected to guide QPR to comfortable promotion last season and, although he eventually got the job done, it certainly wasn't convincing with the squad he had at his disposal. His record in charge of the club in the top flight is not great either, with just five wins in 32 Premier League games at the helm. He has drawn 10 and lost 17 of those, which is a poor record even considering QPR's tendency to be involved in the relegation battle.

However, experience can be a key factor in such situations, and Tony Fernandes will not find a manager with more experience than Harry Redknapp. He will, therefore, be hesitant to pull the trigger too early, although a convincing defeat this afternoon could push the veteran boss closer to the exit door. In fairness, his side's performances have merited more points than they have managed on occasions, with a narrow defeat to high-flying Southampton a notable time that they played fairly well without any reward.

However, more often than not it has been disappointing from the Hoops, and that was the case in their last outing as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United. They have also lost 4-0 on two occasions already this season, contributing to them having the worst goal difference in the division. Only Everton have conceded more than the 15 goals shipped by QPR this season - the same amount as Sunderland even after the 8-0 drubbing they received at the hands of Southampton yesterday.

Redknapp will also be concerned with matters at the other end of the pitch, as no team has scored fewer goals in the top flight this season. They have only managed to find the back of the net four times in their seven outings, and with such a poor record in front of goal it is no surprise that they have only managed one win so far this season. Couple that with just one clean sheet this season - and only two in their last 20 Premier League games - and that is a sure-fire recipe for failure.

Only twice before have QPR lost five of their opening seven matches to a top-flight campaign, and they won't thank me for reminding them that both times that ended in relegation. They did it is both 1995-96 and 2012-13, the latter of which came the year after a great escape, which was sparked by a dramatic victory over Liverpool in March 2012. The Hoops were 2-0 down with 13 minutes remaining and it looked like being the final nail in the coffin for their hopes of avoiding the drop, but Shaun Derry kicked off a remarkable comeback that saw them win 3-2, and they went on to win their next four home games to stay up. It would not be a surprise if Redknapp used that rallying call in his team talk for this one, even at such an early stage of the season.

One thing that you need to show in abundance when fighting against the drop is a battling spirit but, despite some of the players QPR have, that doesn't seem to have been the case so far this season. They have picked up fewer yellow cards (8) and committed fewer fouls (60) than any other team in the division and, while that may be good for their fair play standings, sometimes they will need to employ some of the darker arts to upset and disrupt their opponents.

That is particularly true when the opponents are of the calibre of today's visitors. Liverpool have not enjoyed the best start to the campaign themselves, but Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that their victory over West Bromwich Albion last time out will allow them to kick on and rediscover the sort of form that made them such a formidable prospect last season. That victory over the Baggies was their first in the league since August, and they could really do with a good October to make up for what was a hugely disappointing last month.

Liverpool were so dangerous last season simply due to the number of goals they scored, becoming the first side in the Premier League era to reach a century but not win the title. They haven't quite found that ruthlessness in front of goal this season - largely down to the fact that Luis Suarez has left and Daniel Sturridge has been injured - and that is something that Rodgers will be keen to fix as soon as possible. Their tally of 10 goals in seven games is by no means terrible, but it is the lowest in the top half, albeit with those above them having played a game extra.

Their top scorer so far this season is Raheem Sterling, who has been at the centre of another club vs. country row this week following his comments that he was too tired to play for England against Estonia. The teenager has quickly become a key player for both Liverpool and England, and in an era where people are so wary about burning players out too early in their career, some of the criticism aimed at Sterling has been surprising. The winger starts for Liverpool today, and it remains to be seen whether the relative rest he had has been adequate to fully recharge his batteries.

It is at the other end of the field that the biggest problems still lie for Liverpool, though. One of the biggest reasons they missed out on the title last season was due to their porous defence, and despite a number of reinforcements during the summer, they remain fairly shaky at the back. They have conceded 10 times in their opening seven games and have kept just one clean sheet in their 10 outings in all competitions. Stretching back to last season, that run extends to just one in 16 matches, 13 of which have been in the Premier League.

If the Reds harbour any hopes of a title challenge this season, then that is a problem that they simply must address. They must also probably win this match today, as they already find themselves 12 points behind Chelsea. Should they fail to cut that gap back to nine today then, after just eight games, that may already be unassailable considering how impressive the Blues have been so far this season. Even a nine-point difference is a big ask to overhaul, but despite this game coming so soon into the season, it could certainly be described as a must-win one for Rodgers's side.

Their form away from home has been shaky as well this season, with just one win and three defeats in their four outings on the road. Defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad is nothing to be ashamed of, but Liverpool would have expected to do a lot better against West Ham United and Basel away from home, both games that they lost. However, their best performance of the season so far did come on their travels as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane - perhaps the only display of the campaign that approached the heights of their fine run last term.

The wheels have come off a bit since that superb run towards the tail end of last season, with Liverpool having won just four of their last 10 Premier League outings since that spell of 11 victories in a row was ended. Should they fall to a shock defeat today then it would be their fifth loss of the season in all competitions - something they took until Boxing Day to fall to last term.

TEAM NEWS: Right, the teams are in and the headline news is that Sterling starts, as I alluded to earlier. Brendan Rodgers has made four changes overall, including a first Premier League start for Emre Can in midfield. QPR, meanwhile, have made five changes of their own, with the likes of Rob Green and Rio Ferdinand missing for the hosts. Full team news for both sides coming right up...

QPR STARTING XI: McCarthy; Isla, Onuoha, Dunne, Caulker, Yung; Fer, Henry, Sandro; Zamora, Austin

QPR SUBS: Murphy, Traore, Ferdinand, Phillips, Kranjcar, Hoilett, Vargas

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Mignolet; Johnson, Lovren, Skrtel, Enrique; Can, Henderson, Gerrard, Lallana; Sterling; Balotelli

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Jones, Toure, Manquillo, Allen, Markovic, Coutinho, Lambert

So, what can we make of those two teams? Well, the first thing to note is the formation, which Harry Redknapp has tweaked with at times this season. They were completely overrun by Spurs when playing a 3-5-2 formation earlier in the campaign, and today seems to be a similar sort of shape, although it is likely that Redknapp will tell the wing-backs to act more like full-backs to make it five in defence. Behind the defence is Alex McCarthy, who replaces Rob Green in between the sticks.

Interestingly, there is no place for Rio Ferdinand in the side as he is relegated to the bench, with Richard Dunne coming into his place. Dunne is no more likely to be able to deal with the pace of the likes of Sterling than Ferdinand was, but the former Manchester United man had been getting some criticism for his performances so far this season, so Redknapp dropping him could act as a wake-up call. Beside Dunne, the likes of Onuoha and Caulker will help to deal with the physical threat of Balotelli, while the full-backs should help to plug the wide areas where Liverpool can be so dangerous at their free-flowing best.

Further forward, the likes of Fer, Henry and Sandro will give the hosts a physical presence in midfield, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see one of them stick on Steven Gerrard all game, as a few opposition players have done already this season. After the West Ham game, Redknapp stressed that he needed his players to be fit, comments thought to be largely aimed at Sandro given his recent injury troubles, so it will be interesting to see if he can last the distance today. Up front, meanwhile, Zamora and Austin simply need to start firing if they are to drag QPR away from danger.

Charlie Austin of Queens Park Rangers celebrates scoring the opening goal for Queens Park Rangers during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Sunderland at Loftus Road on August 30, 2014© Getty Images


Liverpool's defence, meanwhile, needs to keep them out to gain some confidence of their own. Rodgers has made two changes to his backline for today's match, bringing full-backs Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique back into the side in place of Manquillo and Moreno. Lovren has overcome an injury scare to start, partnering Skrtel at the back in what seems to be Rodgers's preferred centre-back pairing.

It is interesting to see Can handed a start following his recent injury troubles too, and where he plays will also be a question mark for Redknapp. Henderson has been dropping deeper alongside Gerrard recently, while the skipper himself pushed further forward in the latter stages of the win over West Brom and had a noticeable influence on the game. Rodgers is fairly fluid with his formations, so it could be that he goes for three in the middle, with Lallana and Sterling out wide.

Alternatively, Sterling could once again be deployed at the tip of the diamond, where he can be so dangerous while on form. I have already mentioned the furore over his fatigue during the international week, but it is now seven days since that occurred so it is no surprise to see him included in the starting lineup today. He would not have wanted to miss this game either as it involves a return to his former club.

Another setback in training for Daniel Sturridge would have been the worst news for Rodgers to hear this week, and his continued absence puts even more emphasis on the performances of Mario Balotelli. The Italian striker has failed to impress since his summer move to Anfield, scoring just once for the club so far. He is yet to net in the Premier League, and has only managed one goal in his last 21 appearances in the division. It is not like he hasn't been getting shooting opportunities during that time either, firing 66 efforts at goal. Simply put, Liverpool need him to start performing.

PREDICTION: We are now 10 minutes away from kickoff at Loftus Road, which means that it is time for a prediction! QPR are in desperate need of points, but their confidence will be low going into this one and they are coming up against a better team. They may not make it easy for the visitors, but I expect Liverpool to emerge victorious from this one. They need a win as well, and could move into the top four with a big enough winning margin, so there is plenty at stake for them too. I'm going for a 3-1 away victory.

It would certainly be a big shock if QPR were to manage a win in front of their own fans here, despite all four of their points coming at Loftus Road so far this season. I can't see it happening, and nor can the Sports Mole Sofa. Find out what they had to say in the preview for this match below.


Liverpool, unsurprisingly, dominate the recent history between these two sides, with five wins in their last six meetings and just one defeat in their last seven. That loss was that remarkable match in March 12 that saw QPR come from behind to spark their great escape, but it is a very different Liverpool side they come up against this time around.

I've already mentioned Liverpool's struggles to keep the opposition at bay so far this season, but they have kept four clean sheets in their last six meetings with the R's, and will be confident of doing so against against the league's joint-lowest scoring team.

Liverpool may well have one eye elsewhere going into this match, however, with the daunting prospect of Real Madrid in the Champions League on the horizon. A good win this afternoon would give them plenty of confidence going into Wednesday's match against Ronaldo and co at Anfield.

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway as Premier League football returns to Loftus Road following the international break. Can QPR lift themselves off the bottom, or will Liverpool climb into the top five?

The first thing to note is that Gerrard is playing in a more advanced role, which is different from what we have seen over the past year or so. Can and Henderson are playing deeper, allowing Gerrard to have an influence further up the field. That should help both him and Balotelli, both of whom have been criticised this season.

The first half chance falls the way of QPR as a long ball is hoofed up to Zamora, who shows good strength to hold off his marker and chest it down to Charlie Austin. The striker goes for a volley from the edge of the box, but his effort flies high over the crossbar.

Decent start to this one from QPR, who have seen plenty of the ball already and have caused a few problems with high balls into the box. That looks like it could be an avenue of success for them this afternoon.

Almost a chance for the visitors as they break quickly, with Can giving the ball to Henderson. The latter swings a cross into the box and Balotelli is loitering dangerously, but Yoon just about does enough to get it away.

Lovren is struggling to deal with the strength of Zamora in these early stages. The QPR man is holding the ball up really well, making it stick up top as QPR continue to press forward in these early stages.

CHANCE! Huge chance for QPR to take what would be a deserved lead! Austin breaks through a weak challenge from Johnson before also getting past an untidy one from Skrtel, but Mignolet comes to Liverpool's rescue with a fine save. The rebound almost falls to Austin again, but he is just off balance as he puts a second effort into the side-netting. Massive opening for the hosts to break the deadlock.

Liverpool just can't get out right now. QPR have put them under consistent pressure in this opening 10 minutes or so, and the visitors simply can't keep hold of the ball. The hosts are in control at the moment.

Liverpool make a rare break forward as Sterling slides a clever pass down the channel for Balotelli, who has made a good run. However, he shows too much of it to Caulker, who gets a foot in and is able to clear the danger.

Gerrard has not been able to get into the game at all so far. He is playing just off Balotelli, but Liverpool have spent the vast majority of their time defending so far, so those front two have been unable to have any sort of influence on the game.

Only 7% of the game has been played in QPR's third so far, which is not what either set of fans would have expected going into this one. In contrast, 20% has been played in Liverpool's third, which is representative of QPR's really good start to this game.

Liverpool really need to just get their foot on the ball for a decent spell of time, to stunt QPR's momentum and gain their own foothold in the match. They are not looking comfortable right now and don't look at all like threatening the hosts' defence.

They finally do that as Lovren, Skrtel and Mignolet knock the ball around at the back. It is eventually launched forward to find the run of Henderson, who is flagged for offside when clean through on goal. However, the replay shows that he was a good yard or so on.

The visitors are beginning to see more of the ball now, and they appear to have weathered the initial storm from QPR. However, there still isn't much of an attacking threat from Brendan Rodgers's side, with QPR dealing with everything comfortably right now.

Liverpool have their best passage of play so far as they knock the ball about fluidly in midfield, with Henderson, Sterling and Gerrard all involved. The latter goes for a long ball through the middle to Balotelli, but Onuoha defends the run really well to ensure it runs through for a goal kick.

SAVE! Better from Balotelli as he picks the ball up on the left before cutting inside past Onuoha. Dunne is immediately out to meet him and close any shooting space, however, forcing the Italian to turn back on himself once again. He eventually does get a shot away, but it deflects harmlessly into the arms of McCarthy.

OFF THE BAR! Oh my word, what a chance for QPR to take the lead! Zamora break down the right flank having got in behind the defence, and his cut-back is perfect for Fer steaming into the box. He tries to lift it into the roof of the net from close range, but only hits the top of the bar. That was a sitter!

Lovely Liverpool move from a corner as Gerrard plays it short before linking up to supply Lallana with a half chance, but his effort is into a mass of bodies and doesn't reach the goal as QPR get it clear. Very good, intricate stuff from the Reds, though.

SHOT! Glen Johnson comes forward down the right flank again and cuts inside onto his left before going for goal, as we have seen him do so often before. However, he doesn't catch this one right, dragging an effort a couple of yards past the post.

OFF THE BAR! How on earth are QPR not ahead here?! Zamora again causes problems as he takes the ball down and swings a cross into the box for Fer, who rattles his header against the bar. It falls to Mignolet, but he can't collect it and it is turned goalwards by Austin. Johnson puts a tackle in on the line and somehow scrambles it clear, with a little help from Skrtel.

QPR could very easily be 3-0 up in this match, but still it remains goalless. Liverpool have been hanging on so far, but they are still very much in it. They need to improve drastically if they are to get anything out of this one, though.

The hosts are winning every 50-50 challenge at the moment, and the vast majority of the second balls as well. They are outplaying Liverpool and winning the physical battle, the only thing missing for QPR right now is a goal.

Rodgers is not looking happy on the touchline right now, and who can blame him? His side have been comfortably second best so far today and are very lucky not to be a few goals behind. This one could have been over by the break, and I would not be surprised to see Rodgers make a change or two at half time.

QPR get a free kick in a dangerous position as Can accidentally kicks Sandro around 25 yards from goal. Zamora is standing over the ball, while Fer is also looking interested in this one...

SHOT! It is Zamora, who puts plenty behind his effort but can't keep it down. He tried to go for Mignolet's side, but fires an effort a few yards over the top.

CHANCE! Liverpool have their first real chance of the match as Balotelli flicks a lovely pass around the corner for Gerrard. The skipper moves into the box and works the ball onto his right foot before bending an effort just past the post. You'd have expected the net to bulge there!

The fourth official indicates a minimum of one added minute at the end of this first half.

YELLOW CARD! Terrible from Balotelli again as Sterling leads a break forward, squeezing a pass to the Italian before being fouled by Dunne. Balotelli goes and drags a poor effort wide despite having a number of players in support, while the referee goes back to book Dunne.

HALF TIME: Queens Park Rangers 0-0 Liverpool

The two sides go into the break still goalless, although I'm not quite sure how. This one certainly hasn't gone as expected so far, with QPR dominating and unfortunate not to go into the break with a three-goal lead. Liverpool could already be out of this game, but somehow they are still very much in it and surely cannot play as badly in the second half.

The hosts have hit the crossbar twice, had an effort cleared off the line and missed another glorious opening in an action-packed 45 minutes. The first chance saw Charlie Austin break through the challenges of Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel, only to see his subsequent effort saved by Mignolet, who was quick off his line. The QPR striker almost squeezed in the rebound, but could only find the side-netting.

Leroy Fer has hit the woodwork twice, the first of which was a sitter that he really should have scored. Zamora was against the architect, as he has been so often in this match, cutting the ball back for the midfielder, who was arriving late into the box. However, with Mignolet again coming out quickly, Fer chose to lift the ball high, and saw his effort clip the top of the bar on its way over.

The second time saw more poor defending from Liverpool as Zamora again caused problems with his hold-up play. His cross picked out Fer, who this time beat Mignolet to the ball to nod it against the crossbar. Austin got to the rebound first and he and Sandro looked to scramble it in, but Johnson did just enough on the line to keep it out, while Skrtel completed the clearance.

Having somehow failed to break the deadlock with all of those chances, Liverpool almost provided a late suckerpunch with their first clear chance of the match. Balotelli flicked the ball round the corner for Gerrard, who advanced into the box before curling his effort just past the post when he probably should have scored. Aside from that, though, Liverpool have offered very little in the final third. Balotelli in particular has been poor.

Balotelli's poor performance is especially evident when compared with that of Zamora, who has been dominant up front against Liverpool's shaky defence.

QPR SUB: Harry Redknapp have been forced into a change at the break, with Onuoha being taken off for Matty Phillips.

KICKOFF: QPR get us back underway for the second half as they look to keep up the tempo and intensity from that first-half display.

SAVE! Superb save from Mignolet to keep his side level in this match! Phillips's initial shot is only half-cleared by Lovren, who nods it straight to Sandro. The midfielder is given all the time in the world to take it down and drive an effort towards the far corner, but the keeper is down quickly to make a very good stop.

CHANCE! It's Liverpool's turn to threaten here as they break forward on the counter-attack, but it carries none of the threat that they usually do on the break. The ball was slipped in to Henderson in a dangerous position, but he sliced his effort well wide of the near post.

QPR have lost none of their intensity in this second half so far, while Liverpool are still looking sluggish. The hosts simply look like they want this one more than Liverpool, all that is missing for them is the finishing touch.

Liverpool need to start employing some of the tactics that are proving so successful for QPR here. The hosts are pressing the ball really well, which is something Liverpool have not done so far.

Johnson again tries to get forward and cut inside onto his left, but this time the shot is the wrong option. He has Henderson better placed on the edge of the box, but his effort is dragged into the arms of the keeper.

CLOSE! At the other end, Austin once again gets in behind the defence, but he is presented with an almost impossible angle. Even so, he drills a low strike right across the face of goal, very nearly squeezing it in. Not a bad effort at all from the striker.

Sterling looks to create something in the Qpr half, cutting inside from the left flank and putting a dangerous low ball across the face of goal. Caulker is in two minds as to whether or not he should stretch for it, and in the end he lets it run through for a goal kick. It was risky play, as he wasn't 100% sure where Balotelli was, but he got away with it.

Sandro's fitness has been called into question in recent weeks, and he is down again here and getting treatment. Zamora also looks to have a slight problem, and it may not be long before we see the striker depart too. He has put a real shift in this afternoon.

QPR SUB: The hosts are indeed forced into a second change, with Armand Traore coming on in place of Sandro.

WHAT A MISS! Incredible. How on earth has Balotelli missed this?! Sterling comes forward and sees his pass deflected into the path of Lallana, who digs a shot out to draw a stop from McCarthy. The keeper can only parry it into the path of Balotelli who, from eight yards out and with the goal gaping, fires his effort well over the top. That may well be the miss of the season.

Liverpool have started getting themselves into the game more in the last 15 minutes or so, however, and they are just about on top right now. QPR seem to be tiring a little and, despite all their own missed chances, they are fortunate not to be behind now after that Balotelli sitter.

Rodgers will be feeling a lot more confident of his side's chances right now than he was for the opening 50 minutes or so of the contest. His side are looking a little more threatening when coming forward, although Balotelli really is having a shocker.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Double change in midfield for Liverpool as Can and Lallana make way to be replaced by Joe Allen and Philippe Coutinho.

GOAL! QPR 0-1 Liverpool (Richard Dunne og)

Finally, the breakthrough comes as Dunne turns the ball into his own net! It is poor from Traore and Yoon on the left as they switch off from a quick free kick. Sterling slides it to Johnson, whose low cross long the face of goal is put home by Dunne. That is the 10th own goal of his career, a Premier League record.

That will be heartbreaking for Harry Redknapp. His side have played so well this afternoon, and all that has been lacking is a killer touch. Liverpool had been getting themselves back into the game, and the goal did not come against the run of play, but for it to come in such a way will be particularly gutting.

YELLOW CARD! Johnson goes into the book for an untidy challenge on Traore, who had moved the ball beyond the full-back before being bodychecked.

QPR have really faded in the last 20 minutes or so, and it is hard to see them getting back into this game despite only being a goal behind and having caused Liverpool plenty of problems already today.

PENALTY SHOUT! Liverpool want a penalty as Dunne knocks Balotelli to the ground inside the box, but the referee is having none of it. That looks like a decent decision from Phil Dowd, as the Italian seemed to lose his footing as much as anything else.

SAVE! Decent opening for the hosts as Austin fires a pass in to Zamora, who once again holds it up well. He tees up his strike partner for the return pass, but Austin's curling effort towards the bottom corner is fairly comfortably for Mignolet.

Much better from Liverpool as Coutinho shows great skill to beat two men before Sterling takes over. Gerrard in turn takes over from the winger and slides a pass to Balotelli, whose drilled effort from the right side of the box is well blocked.

QPR SUB: Here is the change we expected at some point as Bobby Zamora makes way to be replaced by Eduardo Vargas. Zamora has had a very good game this afternoon and doesn't deserve to be on the losing side.

YELLOW CARD! Henry comes steaming through the back of Joe Allen and can have no complaints at receiving a yellow card for his troubles, if only due to a totting up offence.

YELLOW CARD! Phil Dowd gets his book out yet again, this time showing a yellow card to Skrtel. Up come the QPR defenders for this free kick, which is in a good crossing position.

Mignolet comes out to claim it, getting the ball and Skrtel, who is left in a heap on the floor. He should be fine to continue, but it is a few more valuable seconds wasted for Liverpool.

CHANCE! Big chance for the hosts to level the scores! Liverpool fail to fully clear their lines from a corner and the ball is nodded back into a dangerous area. Traore steals in under the dropping ball and nods it goalwards from close range, but Mignolet makes another important stop.

SAVE! At the other end Liverpool break clear with four against four, and Henderson slips a pass to Balotelli inside the box. The Italian cut inside and went for goal, but McCarthy made the stop with his legs.

YELLOW CARD! Coutinho is the latest name in the book for preventing QPR from taking a quick free kick.

GOAL! QPR 1-1 Liverpool (Eduardo Vargas)

The hosts have the equaliser! It is the sub Vargas who gets his first goal in English football to perhaps rescue a point for QPR. Once again Liverpool fail to clear their lines from a ball upfield, and Vargas picks it up on the right side of the field. He skips past Enrique too easily before continuing his run into the middle and finishing a fine Austin header from close range. Enrique just didn't follow the run there, poor defending.

That goal has sparked QPR back into life, and Skrtel is forced into making a vital clearance from underneath his own crossbar here. The Liverpool man boots the ball out for a corner with Vargas about to turn another one in from close range.

GOAL! QPR 1-2 Liverpool (Philippe Coutinho)

Liverpool are back in the lead, hitting QPR on the break to surely pick up all three points! Sterling leads the charge forward and eventually the ball is worked out to Coutinho, who cuts inside from the left flank before drilling an effort into the far corner.

GOAL! QPR 2-2 Liverpool (Eduardo Vargas)

Unbelievable scenes here as QPR score yet again! Again it is a corner that causes the problems, with Vargas stealing in at the front post and glancing a header in at the front post. It squirms over the line despite the efforts of Mignolet and Gerrard, and it may well go down as an own goal for the Liverpool skipper.

CHANCE! The drama keeps on coming at Loftus Road as Liverpool almost take the lead for the third time today. A low ball arrived at the front post and Balotelli had made that run, but his flicked finish goes a yard or so wide. Big chance for the Italian.

GOAL! QPR 2-3 Liverpool (Steven Caulker og)

Oh my word! Liverpool have now surely claimed all three points in the most dramatic of fashions! Caulker is prevented from going forward by Dunne for a free kick, but that still doesn't prevent the counter as Coutinho plays a superb pass through for Sterling. The youngster is very unselfish as he plays it across goal, and it hits an unfortunate Caulker on his way back to travels into the net. Incredible.

FULL TIME: Queens Park Rangers 2-3 Liverpool

Phil Dowd brings an end to a thrilling match with the most dramatic of finishes. Twice QPR thought that they had rescued a point, but each time Liverpool hit back. Four goals in the final seven minutes of the game ensures that what looked like being a nervy 1-0 win ends as a 3-2 victory for the Reds, who move up to fifth in the table. I'm still struggling to come to terms with that finale!

It was QPR who dominated the first half, hitting the crossbar twice and seeing a shot cleared off the line. However, Liverpool took the lead in the second half as Richard Dunne turned the ball into his own net, and it looked like staying that way until Eduardo Vargas netted in the 87th minute. That was only the beginning of the drama, however, as Philippe Coutinho restored Liverpool's lead before Vargas levelled things up once again. Caulker then agonisingly scored his side's second own goal of the contest to hand the visitors all three points.

Phew! That is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for what was a truly remarkable match at Loftus Road, as Liverpool somehow emerge 3-2 winners on a dramatic afternoon. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction, analysis and player ratings - you won't want to miss them! Meanwhile, our live coverage of Stoke City vs. Swansea has already begun, so be sure to check that out. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!

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Liverpool's English midfielder Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on August 17, 2014
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014

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