Who didn’t cover themselves in glory at Loftus Road?
Okay, so Liverpool managed to edge a five goal thriller against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road and move closer to the top four, but even manager Brendan Rodgers and captain Steven Gerrard were scathing about their performance and agreed with the fact that the Reds were extremely lucky to come away with three points.
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Liverpool aren’t playing well enough right now ahead of a midweek clash against Real Madrid in the Champions League – and here are five players whose positions should be under threat after their performances today:
Simon Mignolet
Former Sunderland ‘keeper Mignolet made a couple of crucial saves in the second half, but continues to look a long way short of the top class goalkeeper a club in Liverpool’s position need to aspire towards. Was extremely fortunate that his rash decision to come for a Bobby Zamora cross in the first half only saw Leroy Fer head against the bar and not into the net.
Jose Enrique
On the evidence of this performance from left back Jose Enrique, his compatriot Alberto Moreno should have no problems regaining his place in the team when fully fit. Enrique was dreadful on the ball, giving it away on numerous occasions, offered nothing going forward and, to top his dreadful display off, lost Eduardo Vargas for the QPR equaliser.
Dejan Lovren
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’ summer transfer dealings should be questioned for a number of reasons – but none more so than the decision to spend £20m on centre back Dejan Lovren from Southampton. The Croatian was bullied by a fairly ordinary striker in Bobby Zamora and simply doesn’t have the physical presence or the positional intelligence to hold together a shaky defence. Looks like a waste of money.
Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool captain seems to escape criticism more readily than his teammates, but the former England international was absolutely dreadful at Loftus Road, particularly in a first half where his side were overwhelmed. Many of the club’s most promising, incisive attacks break down because of Gerrard’s inability to play simple passes and his lack of mobility is becoming an issue. Rodgers needs to consider whether there is an argument to see how Liverpool can do without him.
Mario Balotelli
Rodgers admitted this summer that signing Balotelli was a risk – and right now it looks like he has put all of his chips on red and the wheel has landed on black. Balotelli missed glaring chances at Loftus Road, his bodily language looked all wrong and his teammates were visibly frustrated when he shot from 25 yards to break down passing moves. It’s not looking good.