Premier League round-up: Liverpool down Spurs as Harry works his magic for QPR

With the FA Cup taking centre stage this weekend, there were just five Premier League fixtures played out over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Liverpool overcame Tottenham Hotspur in a thrilling encounter, whilst QPR grabbed a vital victory away to Southampton to boost their chances of survival.

QPR’s chances of survival and a financially stable future rest on the remainder of this season. The basement club has spent the majority of the season rooted to the bottom of the league, and knew that a win against Sunderland was a do or die situation.

Sunderland took the lead in the 20^th minute thanks to Steven Fletcher, albeit against the run of play. Not deterred by their early set-back, QPR pressed for an equaliser, drawing some smart saves from Simon Mignolet.

However, it didn’t take long for Harry Redknapp’s side to draw level. A somewhat fortunate ricochet fell into the path of Loic Remy, who calmly slotted the ball home for a precious equaliser.

The goal provided the perfect ammunition for QPR to take the game to their opponents, and it finally paid off in the 70^th minute, as Andros Townsend unleashed an unstoppable half-volley to put QPR 2-1 up.

There was still time for another, as Jermaine Jenas wrapped up the game in style with a superb effort from the edge of the box. The Harry Redknapp escape act is well and truly back on.

Liverpool and Spurs clashed at Anfield on Sunday in a thrilling encounter. The red half of Merseyside took the lead in the 21^st minute through hot shot Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan’s delightful dink over Hugo Lloris was very much deserved.

The sides battled it out for the remainder of the first half, with it looking likely that Liverpool would go into the break 1-0 up. Spurs had other ideas as a telling cross from man of the moment Gareth Bale was dispatched with ease at the back post by Jan Vertonghen.

The game was turned on its head, when Jan Vertonghen grabbed his second of the afternoon to make it 2-1 to Spurs.

However, the lead lasted just 13 minutes. Stewart Downing capitalised on some shaky defending to calmly slot the ball through the legs of Lloris.

As both sides battled it out for the winner, it was Liverpool who was gifted a third goal. A clumsy foul in the box on Luis Suarez allowed Steven Gerrard to pick his spot from 12 yards to give Liverpool a thrilling 3-2 victory.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Newcastle overcame Stoke City 2-1 at St James’ Park. Stoke took the lead in the 67^th minute thanks to a penalty from Jonathan Walters. The Toon were level in the 72^nd minute, thanks to a fine free-kick from Yohan Cabaye.

The points were wrapped up in the 90^th minute, thanks to Pappis Cisse.

Thomas Bradley, football correspondent

Results elsewhere:

Norwich 0 – 0 Southampton

Reading 1 – 2 Aston Villa

West Brom 2 – 1 Swansea