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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.)

Player Ratings: Queens Park Rangers 2-3 Liverpool

Sports Mole rates the performances of those involved in Liverpool's remarkable 3-2 victory over QPR at Loftus Road this afternoon.

Liverpool edged to a 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers this afternoon following a remarkable spell of four goals in the final seven minutes of the game.

A Richard Dunne own goal had handed the Reds the lead in the second half, but Eduardo Vargas twice equalised either side of a Philippe Coutinho strike to leave the score at 2-2 in second-half stoppage time.

However, that was not the end of the drama as Steven Caulker turned the ball into his own net with one of the last actions of the game to hand all three points to Liverpool.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed in the action-packed thriller at Loftus Road.


Richard Dunne of QPR scores an own goal past Alex McCarthy during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool at Loftus Road on October 19, 2014© Getty Images

QPR

Goal

Alex McCarthy: Brought in due to Rob Green withdrawing through illness and had very little to do in the first half. Conceded three of the five shots on target he faced, but couldn't do anything about them. (6/10)

Defence

Nedum Onuoha: Was commanding in defence and dealt with everything that came his way, but was forced off at half time. (7/10)

Richard Dunne: Yet another own goal to add to his collection, and it was a poor one as he failed to stay alert to the quick free kick. Dealt with Balotelli well throughout and was impressive in general play, but the own goal proved costly. (6/10)

Steven Caulker: Very unfortunate to put through his own net in the dying stages of the match having been told to stay back instead of going forward for a free kick. Otherwise a solid display. (7/10)

Yun Suk-young: Fell asleep for the opening goal and found it more and more difficult to cope with Sterling as the match progressed, but dealt well with the task before the break. (6/10)

Midfield

Mauricio Isla: Dropped back into defence when needed, although spent most of the first half on the front foot as QPR dominated proceedings. (6/10)

Karl Henry: A typically combative display in the middle of the park, and contributed to QPR's physical dominance in that area of the field during the first half. However, Liverpool did get back into things after the break, and Henry got increasingly frustrated. (6/10)

Sandro: Almost broke the deadlock with a crisp strike that drew a good stop from Mignolet, and carried out his midfield duties very well. Was dominant in a fascinating midfield battle at times. (7/10)

Leroy Fer: Was always a danger coming forward from midfield and gave his side a constant threat beyond the two strikers. Hit the crossbar twice in the first half, although one of them was a sitter that he should have buried. (7/10)

Attack

Charlie Austin: Missed a glorious chance in the first half having broken through two tackles, and also had a shot cleared off the line later. Linked with Zamora really well, but needed to be a little more clinical. (7/10)

Bobby Zamora: Towering performance from the striker, who caused Liverpool countless problems with his strength and hold-up play. Created a number of clear chances for teammates to score, and would have ended the game with a few assists had they had their shooting boots on. Gave Lovren in particular a torrid time. (8/10)

Substitutes

Matt Phillips: Replaced Onuoha at the break and provided plenty of energy on the wing, but failed to really make a big difference. (6/10)

Armand Traore: Came on for the injured Sandro but was partially at fault for the opening goal, conceding a free kick and then turning his back on the ball to allow Liverpool to take it quickly. (5/10)

Eduardo Vargas: A magnificent, albeit ultimately fruitless cameo. Twice equalised in the closing stages with good poacher's goals and may have earned himself a start next week. (8/10)


Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrates scoring his goal with Liverpool's English midfielder Steven Gerrard (L) during the English Premier League football match between Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool at Loftus Road in London on Oc© Getty Images

LIVERPOOL

Goal

Simon Mignolet: Saved his side on a number of occasions in the first half and in the opening stages of the second half, although he himself was saved by the woodwork twice. Still looks unconvincing under the high ball and perhaps should have done better with the second goal. (6/10)

Defence

Glen Johnson: Struggled to get forward as he usually does during a first half in which QPR dominated. Got into the game more as the second half wore on, and eventually provided the cross that led to Dunne's own goal. Also defended well to clear what looked like a certain goal off the line. (7/10)

Martin Skrtel: Did not have as tough a time of things as his centre-back partner, but still found it difficult to cope with QPR's physical presence at times. Combined with Johnson to clear one off the line. (6/10)

Dejan Lovren: Could not deal with Zamora at times as the QPR striker dominated him physically. Tried his best to get a way around him, but not his finest performance in a red shirt. (5/10)

Jose Enrique: Also struggled to get forward during the first half as QPR penned he and Johnson back. Kept battling away, but was at fault for the first equaliser having failed to track Vargas's run. (5/10)

Midfield

Emre Can: Deployed in Gerrard's usual deeper role but was overrun at times in midfield. Showed flashes of quality, but not enough to suggest he may be breaking into the first team just yet. (6/10)

Jordan Henderson: Was one of few who showed any passion or desire in a tepid first half for Liverpool. Looked to press quickly, but his energy was not matched by his teammates. (7/10)

Adam Lallana: Fairly anonymous throughout his time on the field as Liverpool struggled to create anything going forward in the first half. (6/10)

Steven Gerrard: Deployed in a more advanced role just off Balotelli in the first half, but had no influence on the game there. Dropped into a deeper position in the second half and began to run the match better as Liverpool slowly improved. (6/10)

Raheem Sterling: Not for the first time this season, his side's brightest player. Always looked positive, even when Liverpool were not creating anything in the first half. Was much improved in the second half too and had a major say in all three of his side's goals. (8/10)

Attack

Mario Balotelli: Dreadful display from the Italian. Missed one of the easiest chances you will see this season and offered nothing up front throughout. Wasted a lot of good positions due to selfishness and failed to hold the ball up as Zamora did at the other end. Arguably his worst performance yet. (3/10)

Substitutes

Philippe Coutinho: Changed the game for Liverpool when he came on shortly past the hour. Scored their second goal and sent a fine through-ball to Sterling in the build-up for the winner. A very classy cameo. (8/10)

Joe Allen: Replaced Can at the same time as Coutinho came on and kept things ticking over in midfield. (6/10)

Kolo Toure: Came on for Sterling in the sixth minute of stoppage time and had just a few seconds on the field. (6/10)


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QPR's Charlie Austin celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Bolton during their Championship match on January 28, 2014
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