Liverpool 1-0 QPR Match Report
The day was all about Jamie Carragher as he made his last appearance in a Red shirt, the Liverpool defender made his 737th appearance for the club in an emotional day at Anfield against relegated QPR. Brazillian Philippe Coutinho scored the only goal of the game, and it was fitting that it was in the 23rd minute of the match, the number that Jamie Carragher wears on his Liverpool shirt.
The Team
Brendan Rodgers changed things around for Liverpool’s final game of the season, with Reina starting in goal, and Glen Johnson and Enrique were the full backs, with Captain Jamie Carragher partnering Martin Skrtel in the centre of defence. Downing, Lucas, Henderson and 17 year old Jordan Ibe made his debut, with Coutinho supporting Sturridge in attack.
The Match
After all the tributes to Jamie Carragher prior to kick-off Liverpool started the match on the offensive and the hosts should have been in the lead in the first couple of minutes when Coutinho headed a Downing corner towards goal, but Harriman cleared the effort off the line, although replays suggested the ball had crossed the line.
Coutinho was showing the sort of form that has already made him a favourite of the Kop as he almost scored direct from a corner before having a shot blocked by Shaun Derry.
Coutinho gave Liverpool the lead in the 23rd minute when he smashed a low shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner after being set-up by debut boy Ibe.
When QPR did mount a rare attack it was usually involving Remy, who almost won a penalty after dancing his way into the box before clashing with Lucas. Remy then missed a great chance from close range when he failed to convert Traore’s cross.
QPR continued to defend and sit deep in the second half as Liverpool mounted wave after wave of attack. Glen Johnson saw a shot deflected off Derry but Green managed to push it around the post. Then Sturridge’s volley hit Traore and Downing fired into the side-netting as Liverpool looked for a second goal.
Then the man of the moment Carragher hit a superb shot from 25 yards which crashed of the post with Green beaten as the crowd wished for a Carragher goal.
The latter stages of the match had a testimonial feel to it as Carragher was substituted with minutes to go to a standing ovation from a packed Anfield.
Summary
The last game of the season, but it was really a Jamie Carragher testimonial as Anfield paid its respects to a Liverpool Legend. It was brilliant to see Jordan Ibe make his debut and he looks to have a bright future as he set-up Coutinho with the only goal of the game. Liverpool should have scored more against an ultra-defensive QPR side, but it was good to see Liverpool finish off the season with a win and fitting that Jamie Carragher’s last match was another clean sheet for Liverpool.
The Kopite View 
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