Liverpool 1-0 QPR

The gesture from Liverpool forward Luis Suarez came amid an outpouring of emotion.

However, the pen-pushers at the Football Association won't need to concern themselves with this one.

After ending his two-month wait for a Premier League goal, the Uruguayan leapt for joy and lifted a clenched fist in front of the Kop. Engulfed by a cocktail of delight and relief, Anfield rose to acclaim their match-winner.

Having been battered by opponents, abused by rival fans, snubbed by officials and targeted by the authorities, this was the perfect tonic for Suarez.

No controversy, no-one branding him a cheat, just tributes to the remarkable talents of the afternoon's outstanding performer.

A first league strike since the derby victory at Goodison on October 1 was fitting reward for a display which showcased his ability, energy and invention.

Suarez may have a growing army of critics but he's able to bank on the unswerving backing of his manager, team-mates and Reds supporters.

In the build up to the game Kenny Dalglish had used a DVD of incidents from a controversial defeat at Craven Cottage to illustrate the harsh treatment being dished out to his crown jewel.

When the manager looks back at this game it will make much more pleasant viewing.

Liverpool dominated throughout and repeatedly carved Queens Park Rangers open. The passing and movement was much improved yet a familiar problem remains.

An inability to put teams away has cost the Reds dearly so far this season. Defeats at Stoke and Fulham could have been avoided, while stalemates with the likes of Sunderland, Manchester United, Norwich and Swansea should have yielded more.

Another half a dozen points and Dalglish's men would be safely camped inside the top four rather than playing catch-up.

Suarez's header ensured QPR wouldn't become the latest newly promoted side to benefit from Liverpool's failings in front of goal.

It was a first home win since the visit of Wolves in September as a frustrating run of four successive home draws was broken.

But the fact that the Reds had to endure some nervy moments in the closing stages on Saturday was ridiculous.

With 62 per cent possession, 25 attempts on goal and 17 corners, they should have been out of sight. A mixture of poor finishing and inspired keeping from veteran Radek Cerny kept the Hoops in contention.

Liverpool's lack of goals - just 18 of them in 15 Premier League games - is a major concern and must be addressed if they are to achieve their target of Champions League qualification.

Dalglish can hardly be accused of being negative. The brand of football is pleasing on the eye and a world away from the dross favoured by his predecessor.

The sight of Daniel Agger rampaging forward late on underlined a burning desire to add to their tally rather than merely hold on to what they had.

Every week a glut of chances are created but too frequently they are spurned. They rely too much on Suarez, who had waited eight games to notch his fifth league strike of the campaign.

His record of 81 goals in 108 league games for Ajax suggests otherwise but on the evidence of the past year he lacks the ruthless predatory instincts of a Rush or a Fowler.

Dragging defenders out of position, creating space for others and working tirelessly for the cause, Suarez is so much more than a poacher.

He's a team player and always contributes but Liverpool need someone to start finding the net on a more regular basis.

It speaks volumes that 'own goals' is second in the club's scoring charts this term. Dirk Kuyt and Stewart Downing are yet to notch, while Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Craig Bellamy have just four league goals between them. The return of Steven Gerrard later this month should certainly help in the battle to start putting games to bed.

With the transfer window opening in three weeks, it's inevitable that talk will turn to whether Dalglish needs to boost his firepower. However, it's going to be difficult to justify to the owners splashing more cash on a striker when you've got one who cost £35million warming the bench.

It was no surprise that Andy Carroll was an unused substitute on Saturday following his disappointing display at Fulham.

He has started just eight of the 15 league games so far, scoring twice. Getting the best out of Carroll is one of the biggest challenges facing Dalglish.

A year ago yesterday Carroll terrorised Liverpool at St James' Park as he inspired Newcastle to a 3-1 win. The big frontman's long range piledriver took him into double figures for the season.

Still only 22 and only 11 months into his Anfield career, Carroll has time on his side. Some have been too quick to judge but the Reds desperately need him to start staking a claim for more regular action.

Carroll was left to sit and watch as Liverpool penned QPR back during the opening 45 minutes.

Some of the link up play between Maxi Rodriguez, Kuyt and Suarez left the visitors chasing shadows but there was no end product.

Suarez could have had a first-half hat-trick but nodded straight at Cerny and then sliced wide after being teed up by Rodriguez before being thwarted by the keeper. Rodriguez and Downing also failed to beat the Czech shot-stopper when well placed.

The anxiety around Anfield lifted 69 seconds into the second half. Adam marked his 26th birthday in style by whipping in the perfect cross for the unmarked Suarez to silence the taunts from the away end.

But hopes of the famine turning into a feast failed to materialise. Cerny pushed Rodriguez's strike on to the upright and the impressive Argentine was denied again after a neat one-two with Suarez.

Despite occasional moments of alarm, the outcome was never seriously in doubt with Kuyt threatening to end his barren run and substitute Bellamy rippling the side-netting.

When Shaun Wright-Phillips turned Bellamy's cross against the underside of his own bar, Liverpool had struck the woodwork for the 15th time this season.

On Saturday it didn't matter. The Reds got what they deserved and clambered back into the top six.

But until a solution is found for their profligacy, doubts will remain about how much higher they can go.

LIVERPOOL (4-4-2): Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Downing (Shelvey 87), Adam, Henderson, Rodriguez (Bellamy 79), Suarez, Kuyt.Not used: Doni, Carroll, Coates, Carragher, Kelly.

QPR (4-4-1-1): Cerny, Young, Gabbidon, Ferdinand (Orr 50), Traore, Mackie (Hill 78), Barton, Faurlin, Wright-Phillips, Smith (Campbell 66), Bothroyd.Not used: Putnins, Derry, Buzsaky, Connolly.

GOALS: Suarez (47).

CARDS: Booked - Agger, Bellamy.

REFEREE: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 45,016

Source: Liverpool Echo

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