Queens Park Rangers 2-1 Newcastle United
- Published
Magpies need final game win to ensure survival
QPR beat Newcastle for first time since 1995
Pitch invasion follows Hoops last home game
Newcastle's survival hopes remain in the balance after relegated QPR fought back from a goal down to win their final home game.
The Magpies stay two points clear of 18th-place Hull with a game remaining.
The visitors took the lead when striker Emmanuel Riviere dinked in after collecting keeper Tim Krul's long punt.
QPR's Matt Phillips nodded in the equaliser from Charlie Austin's cross before Leroy Fer smashed in a superb winner from 25 yards.
Relegation run-in | ||
---|---|---|
Hull | Newcastle | Sunderland |
18th (34 points) | 17th (36 points) | 16th (37 points) |
24 May: Man Utd (a) | 24 May: West Ham (h) | 20 May: Arsenal (a) |
24 May: Chelsea (a) |
A pitch invasion followed the full-time whistle as the home fans took to celebrate a first home win in 10 games and wave goodbye to Premier League football at Loftus Road for the time being.
As for Newcastle, there might be the pitch invasions to end all pitch invasions at St James' Park next week if they secure their top-flight status. However, they cannot afford to let their level slip during the 90 minutes, like they did today.
Rangers enjoyed most of the early possession, but it was Newcastle who took the lead through Riviere.
The French summer signing came into the game without a goal in the Premier League, but tore off that unwanted tag with a mishit finish which flew over the reach of keeper Robert Green.
At long last... |
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Emmanuel Riviere has scored his first Premier League goal after 1084 minutes, more than 18 hours. |
The QPR number one was replaced moments later by Alex McCarthy because of a head injury picked up from a collision with team-mate Joey Barton.
The basement side were far brighter after the break and equalised when Phillips rose highest at the far post to head in Austin's cross. Moments earlier, the goalscorer had an effort blocked by Jonas Gutierrez.
QPR then seized the advantage with the goal of the game. Dutchman Fer, who was impressive throughout, picked up the loose ball in midfield and struck a vicious effort past the reach of Krul.
Newcastle looked desperate in their search for an equaliser and went closest when substitute Papiss Cisse saw his shot from a couple of yards deflected wide.
Survival remains in their hands, but it will be a very tense occasion on Tyneside next Sunday.
QPR coach Chris Ramsey:
"The fans have been absolutely fantastic all season. It's important we got those two goals. It's gets us back to thinking good things in the summer.
"There was plenty of effort in the first half, but lacked that bit of quality. Leroy Fer has got that in his locker - he brings a little bit of extra flavour to our team.
"I think fans can see we will try our best and that we will try to put the club on an even footing. It's not up to me who stays and who doesn't stay."
Newcastle coach John Carver:
"It was a mad 10 minutes in the second half and that was hugely disappointing. I thought in first half we were in control. They weren't a threat, we were organised.
"We knew the result we tried to get today and had to get. We had to go for the win.
"Having lost, this is the best scenario with Hull losing. There's one game left and it's a do or die situation.
"We have to manage the pressure this week, focus and keep out of media spotlight. We've talked about some games in the last three, four weeks being the biggest and next week against West Ham is one of them."
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