• QPR 2-3 Liverpool, Premier League

Liverpool were lucky to beat QPR, says Gerrard

Steven Gerrard defended Raheem Sterling following the club v country row which has surrounded the player recently © Getty Images

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Steven Gerrard says Liverpool were fortunate to come away from Loftus Road with all three points after an added-time own goal from QPR centre-back Steven Caulker gave his side a 3-2 victory on Sunday.

Eduardo Vargas' two late goals had the hosts edging towards a creditable draw, only for Caulker to put through his own net in the fourth minute of added time.

Gerrard was not impressed by Liverpool's performance and felt his team-mates would have no reason to complain had they left west London with no points.

"We're still in shock to be honest. We're very lucky today," Gerrard told Sky Sports. "We would have had no complaints if we came away with nothing, we would have no complaints if we came away with a point. I think we're very lucky to come away with three points.

"Our performance needs to be better. I think the only credit we can give ourselves is that we never give up and keep going to the end. We got rewarded in the end for hanging in and staying in the game but all around it needs improving."

Raheem Sterling, who started for Liverpool against his old club after the controversy over his England omission last Sunday, admitted he was pleased to be back playing football.

Sterling has been an almost permanent fixture on the back pages following England manager Roy Hodgson's revelation that the player had complained of tiredness prior to the Euro 2016 qualifier away to Estonia, but Sterling was simply happy to be back playing on Sunday.

"It's always good to play football and it's no different this week," he said. "The manager put me out there and I'm just happy that we got the three points."

Gerrard was impressed with Sterling's contribution and, following the club against country row which has followed the 19-year-old this past week, indicated his team-mate needed support.

He told BBC Sport: "I thought Raheem sterling was superb. From the media's and the public's point of view, you've got to be behind this kid because he's going to be the best player in the country."

Similarly, Gerrard was equally as defensive over Mario Balotelli's performance, adding: "He's got to keep working hard and not get himself down. Playing around players like Coutinho, Sterling and Henderson he will get chances."

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