By Alan Duffy
A late goal from captain Steven Gerrard kept alive Liverpool’s slim hopes of a top-four finish.
Both sets of players wore black armbands following the death of Rio Ferdinand’s wife, Rebecca Ellison, from cancer, with Gerrard presenting QPR captain Joey Barton with flowers to give to Ferdinand before the kick-off.
QPR started well, but it was the Reds who took the lead on 19 minutes, with Philippe Coutinho producing a superb finish after a pass from Rickie Lambert.
In the second period, the hosts had a number of great chances to increase their lead, only for both Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling to waste their opportunities.
On 73 minutes, the Hoops got themselves back into the game, courtesy of a Leroy Fer volley from a Joey Barton corner.
The Reds should have gone 2-1 up when Nedum Onuoha fouled Martin Skrtel in the box. However, Gerrard’s resulting spot-kick was easily saved by Rob Green.
Soon after the penalty miss, Rangers went down to 10 men, with Onuoha sent off for fouling Jordon Ibe.
Liverpool struggled to make their man advantage count with the game headed for a draw. But then, on 87 minutes, Gerrard headed in the winner to make up for his penalty miss.
Brendan Rodgers’ men are no just four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with three games left to play. As for QPR, they now find themselves seven points from safety and destined for a return to the Championship next season.
Highlights…
Photos: Getty Images
Highlights: Footytube