3 Key Talking Points From Liverpool vs QPR (2-1): Gerrard’s Persistence Pays Off

Liverpool vs QPR: 3 Talking Points

Steven Gerrard’s late winner secured three vital points for Liverpool over 10-man QPR as they continue their fight to finish in the top four. The Reds took the lead in the 19th minute thanks to Philippe Coutinho’s composed finish. But the visitors pulled level thanks to Leroy Fer. When Gerrard missed from the penalty spot, it looked as though it was going to be another disappointing home draw for the Reds. But the skipper scored just before stoppage time to give the Reds an outside chance of still finishing in a Champions League place.

Here are the major talking points from the game.

1. Gerrard’s persistence pays off

If at once you don’t succeed, try again. That seemed to be Steven Gerrard’s mantra against QPR on Saturday. Just when it looked as though it wasn’t going to be his or Liverpool’s day, the Reds skipper delivered a late blow once again as he scored his 184th goal for the club from a corner kick to give his side all three points and move to within four points off fourth-placed Manchester United. After missing a penalty and coming close with a free kick, the Englishman’s late header was just reward for Anfield’s prodigal son.

While he may not be able to run the game like he used, or even run for the entire duration of the game covering every blade of grass, like he once did, he can still conjure up moments of magic to rescue his side. Playing in his penultimate home game, Gerrard’s afternoon looked as though it was heading for an anti-climatic end as he missed from the spot. But he didn’t let that bother him and continued his search for a goal and from Philippe Coutinho’s corner three minutes from time, he found it. Anfield erupted. Another late winner in the bag. If he doesn’t score another, what a fitting way to end his Liverpool career.

2. Time is of the essence for Rodgers

12 months ago, Brendan Rodgers came within touching distance of becoming the first Liverpool manager to win the Premier League. While he had to settle for second place and the League Managers Association Manager of the Year award, Rodgers’ stock couldn’t be higher. Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were scoring goals for fun and the Reds were blowing teams away early in the game.

But just a year on, not only are Liverpool once again going to finish outside the top four, the Northern Irishman is also starting to feel the pressure of three years without a trophy with the Reds.  15 minutes before kickoff, there was a plane above Anfield with a banner reading “Rodgers Out Rafa In.” While the banner wasn’t organized by the main supporters’ group, the fact that there are a few disgruntled fans who want him out is a stark contrast to a year ago, when he was being lauded for the fantastic job he has done. While winning the last three games against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Stoke isn’t going to change the perception of the few who arranged for the banner, it might well be enough to appease the owners and the majority of the fans, if they can finish the season on a high as close to fourth place as possible.

3. Final nail in QPR’s season

Following the death of Rio Ferdinand’s wife, it was a surprise that the game went ahead as planned. And while the central defender was absent from the squad, the next Premier League campaign might just witness the absence of QPR. While Chris Ramsey might not admit that The Hoops are doomed, that is certainly the case. Seven points adrift of safety with just three games to go, their chances of staying up is almost non-existent.

Not only do the London side need to win their last three games, one of which is against second-placed Manchester City, but also hope that none of the other sides above them win any of their games. Even with a game against the hapless Newcastle United in the horizon, their record of 14 losses in their last 17 away league games means that they are inching closer to the drop. Should they get relegated, the cost for the club could be massive, as their breach of financial fair play during their last spell in the Championship might result in them getting demoted to the Football League.