England News: December 2012

Monday, 31 December 2012

Twitter leads to under-performance on field of play, says Lord Coe - Telegraph.co.uk

However he said that the mis-use of the site by athletes can lead to distraction.

"I have walked past my parents [and] close friends an hour before a race and not even recognized them or registered them. I just find it bizarre that people can be sitting there figuring out in 140 characters what they would say to the world at that moment. Just go out and win the bloody race," said Lord Coe.

Lord Coe did not name athletes, but members of the British athletics team have got into trouble in the past for Tweeting.

Phillips Idowu, the triple jumper who failed to win a medal in the London games, angered his management when he withdrew from last year's European Team Championships on Twitter.

At the time Charles van Commenee, the then-head of UK Athletics, said that athletes need training when it comes to Twitter use.

"You can't forbid athletes to use Twitter, this is an issue we have to deal with in modern times," he said.

Some athletes have admitted that social media sites cost them dear in last summer's games.

Emily Seebohm, the Australian swimmer who was favourite for an Olympic gold in the 100m backstroke but narrowly missed out on the medal, admitted that she stayed up too long on Twitter and Facebook in the lead-up to the games.

Following her defeat in the race she said: "I just felt like I didn't really get off [social media] and get into my own mind."

Matt Brown, an Australian swimming coach, said during the games that he would like to "throw away some of those phones".

Dr Victor Thompson, a London-based sports psychologist, said that there is no direct relationship between the amount of time that sports stars spend on Twitter and their performance.

"It may indicate to some that you may be less dedicated or are not focused on the right things but spending an hour on the computer doesn't necessarily have a bearing on how you spend the next 23 hours of the day," he said.

However he said that people's performance could be affected by negative comments that they read on the site.

"You are going to get the extremes of comments about you as an athlete – the real positives and the real negatives. People will use these when they evaluate their own performance, rather than what they think or the coach thinks. And that really influences their mood and how they bounce back," said Dr Thompson.

In the summer Andy Murray, the tennis player, said that athletes should not be on Twitter "too much".

"It's a bit like sitting on a computer 20 minutes, 30 minutes before your match. You wouldn't be advised to do that. The same applies with Tweeting or mobile phones," said Mr Murray, who won Olympic gold last year.

However there are many athletes who would argue with Lord Coe's theory. Prolific Tweeters who can not be said to have under-performed on the field of play include Sir Chris Hoy, Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis.

Joe Simpson astounds Wasps with magic try against London Welsh - The Guardian

A brilliant try from the scrum-half Joe Simpson was the highlight of London Wasps' bonus point victory as they recorded a Premiership double over London Welsh.

Simpson had an outstanding game as Wasps came from behind with tries from the wing Elliot Daly, the replacement prop Will Taylor and, right at the end, a fourth try for the wing Tom Varndell.

The Welsh fly-half Gordon Ross kicked all his side's points with five penalties, while the Wasps fly-half Nicky Robinson landed three penalties, Daly booted one and the replacement stand-off Stephen Jones kicked the only conversion of the match.

The first half-hour was dominated by the boot, both with positional kicks and shots at goal, as first Welsh took a six-point advantage and then saw it clawed back by their visitors.

There was not a great deal to choose between them up front, and the kicking was generally poor, with the Welsh full-back Tom Arscott a particular offender.

Wasps could have led handsomely at the interval had they taken the majority of their kicks. Daly missed a long-range effort for the visitors before an excellent scrum from the Exiles and an offside decision given their way saw Ross secure two successes.

But the lead did not last long as Robinson levelled matters with two penalties but then sent two more penalties wide of the uprights from similar distances of 25 metres.

Ross, on the other hand, was deadly accurate at that short range. As Welsh frustrated their opponents and the front row of Franck Montanella, Neil Briggs and James Tideswell caused havoc for Zak Taulafo, Rhys Thomas and Phil Swainston, Ross secured another two goals to take his side into a 12-6 interval lead.

But, even though the ball may have been greasy from the earlier rain, there was little excuse for a poor first half with hardly any invention in attack towards either try-line.

Robinson reduced the arrears after the break to three points with his third penalty before a piece of individual magic took the match up a gear.

In what will surely be one of the contenders for try of the season, Simpson took the ball from a lineout 30 metres from the Welsh line, went through a gap at the back and embarked on a diagonal sprint across the pitch.

He looked to be going nowhere but somehow found a gap towards the line. The scrum-half ran through three tackles and got past desperate defence on the line to touch down and leave everyone in the crowd amazed.

Robinson failed with the conversion but that put Wasps two points to the good and, when Daly kicked a thumping penalty from fully 53 metres, it was the turning point of the contest.

Wasps were on top and they threatened to leave Welsh with nothing to show for their efforts when Daly sprinted down the right wing to just get in for the second try of the game.

Welsh would not lay down, and Ross' fifth penalty put them within sight of Wasps. But a final converted try from the replacement Will Taylor saw Wasps home and dry. Vardnell went over on 83 minutes to get the bonus point.

QPR v Liverpool – as it happened! - The Guardian (blog)

Usually it's around the beginning of January that the gloom kicks in. It's dark when you put your flushed feet on the inhospitable floor; it's dark when you are microwaving your Weetabix and putting enough sugar on top so that you don't have to taste what's underneath. It's dark when you are groping your way to work; it's dark when you are groping your way to lunch. It's dark when you are on your third trip of the afternoon to the tea machine and doing you're absolute best to avoid the pile of work stacking higher and higher and higher on your desk; it's dark when you're in the supermarket staring at the shelves unable to chose what you want for dinner. It's dark when you are watching TV and wondering why people find Michael McIntyre funny; it's dark when you are failing to fall asleep because of the weird noises outside your window.

Darkness, darkness everywhere … it's best to have a drink.

But nope, that's out of the question. That's gone for 31 dreary, drawn-out days. Health is the excuse – "ah sure, I have to give the liver a break after the lorry load I ploughed into me over Christmas" – but being broke after frittering it away over presents that didn't want to be bought for people that didn't want to receive them (but smiled politely and said the right things, anyway) is the real reason. However, worry not dear readers for that gloom is days away yet, days. For now, go eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart. Unless, of course, you are a fan of QPR or Liverpool because then it is entirely understandable if you lot embraced the January gloom a little earlier than the rest of us.

QPR have spent most of their time since August 18 snuggling up with the foot of the table. Their away form has been more shocking than a queen-sized bed of electric eels – three points from a possible 30 – but at least their home form has been OK, right? You know, something that they can build on, something to give the fans the briefest sliver of hope, make them think they won't be sinking back down to the Championship next season. Ehhh-eeeeh! Of the 160 sides that make up the Premier League, the Championship, League One, League Two, the Blue Square Bet Premier, the Blue Square Bet North and the Blue Square Bet South, only three have garnered less points at home all season than QPR – Hartlepool, Scunthorpe and Hinckley United hang your heads in shame.

The vast majority of that is down to what happened BH because since Redknapp came in and took control of the over-paid, under-performing misfits, there has been some decent results and a lot more organisation to the team. The four games before he took charge saw three defeats and a draw; the four after saw three draws and a win – their only win of the season. But as quick as optimism can be created, it can be crushed and QPR's had something of a Christmas catastrophe against Norwich and West Bromwich Albion. "A bad day, a bad result, we're bang in trouble," said Harry after the West Brom one. He wasn't un-right.

Top half of the table they may be – by the skin of their goal difference – but Liverpool have never had fewer points after 19 games since the three points for a win rule was introduced. They have, at times, played some pretty decent stuff – see the win over Fulham for further details – and shown the resilience needed of a side that has such notions of upperosity – see the win over West Ham for further details. However, the 2-Live-Crew-styled big but is that the Merseysiders have failed to show these qualities on a regular basis and right now a top-four finish looks about as realistic as WWF back in the day.

Honest individual that he is, Rodgers admitted as much on Friday: "There is no doubt we need to be more consistent. We've shown that on our day we are a match for any team in the league and some of our performances this year have been exceptional, but we have to do that over longer periods and that's something we'll strive for going forward," he chilled-out entertained and it is probably worth noting that only once so far this season have his side managed to win two league matches on the trot.

"Liverpool have got some fantastic, high quality players. They're rebuilding and changing things around. They've spent good money," buttered up Redknapp at his recent presser, presumably talking about Luis Suárez and not Jordan Henderson or Joe Cole or Stewart Downing or Andy Carroll. So far this season, Suárez has been one of the best players to watch and not just for Liverpool but for the entire league. He has already matched last season's league goal total and only Steven Gerrard has had more assists for Liverpool. Without those goals and assists, Rodgers' side would be languishing in 15th spot, a solitary point above the relegation zone and a goal difference of -9. Thus, Harry and co will be delighted to hear that the Uruguay striker has shook off that ankle-gah! that has been troubling him of late and should be gracing our screens this afternoon. Confirmation of that and the rest of the team news will be with you just as soon as it is with me.

Luis Suárez scores twice as Liverpool inflict more misery on QPR - The Guardian

Harry Redknapp puffed out his cheeks, muttered an expression of disbelief to Joe Jordan at his side, then slumped back against the dugout with a shake of his head in disgust. This mismatch was less than half an hour old and Queens Park Rangers were already embarrassed having just conceded a third goal, a thumping header by Daniel Agger. The centre-half was unmarked, though that was not surprising. Rangers' attempts at resistance had long since disintegrated. This team are sinking without trace.

The QPR manager offered something approaching bullish optimism afterwards, saying his team can still survive, but recovery from a defensive display this shambolic seems improbable even with January and another potential transfer frenzy only a couple of days away. Their solitary league success, against Fulham earlier this month, generated hope that appears cruel in the context of a third successive defeat, form that better sums up Rangers' campaign to date. Three clubs have survived having been bottom on New Year's Day in the 20 years of the Premier League but there has to be a spark to instigate a revival and there was simply no real sign of progress to be seen.

The prerequisite for a struggling side, principally tightening up at the back, had been abandoned here amid the desperation to register a victory. Redknapp acknowledged that, having belatedly hauled off Djibril Cissé with the game lost to avoid suffering a drubbing from which confidence might never have been restored. "We were never going to win 4-3, so I shut up shop," he said, explaining the half-time substitution. "Maybe I should have done that from the start, but we wanted the win and had been open and attacking." Luis Suárez had already torn the home side to shreds by then with the Uruguayan's team-mates revelling in the wide open spaces at his back.

Even when trying to be upbeat, Redknapp could only describe this as "a doing", the first time his side have been truly overrun and outclassed over his six weeks in charge. The eight-point gap from 17th place is a gulf, with this performance arguably every bit as abject as the surrender to Southampton in Mark Hughes' last game in charge in November. Redknapp has not had a chance to wheel and deal as yet but he will be the third successive QPR manager to survey a transfer window with a sense of desperation, players stacking up at the training ground, though the reality is reinforcements are required.

Liverpool's Luis Suárez evades the attentions of the QPR defence. Photograph: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen are seasoned professionals and utterly committed but, at 35, slippery forwards such as Suárez can and will humiliate them. Both full-backs selected here, Armand Traoré and Nedum Onuoha, looked like broken men defensively. José Bosingwa, a European Cup winner in May, is now "injured" and has been since he refused to sit on the bench against Fulham. Fabio da Silva, on loan from Manchester United, was cast on late but is unfamiliar with relegation scraps. As, indeed, are a number of a party recruited from Real Madrid and Internazionale. One of those, Julio César – recalled for Rob Green, who wallowed miserably on the bench – cannot perform heroics alone. There is imbalance all around, and a trip to third-placed Chelsea to come on Wednesday. They scored eight the last time they trotted out at Stamford Bridge.

It feels ridiculous to have originally considered this contest an opportunity to kickstart the recovery, as Rangers had against this opposition so memorably last term. Liverpool had arrived mid-table and with the norovirus apparently festering in their midst; the manager, Brendan Rodgers, and No2 goalkeeper, Brad Jones, were quarantined and sent back to Merseyside earlier in the day at risk of infecting the entire party. The assistant, Colin Pascoe, also under the weather, was not allowed into the changing room either pre-match or at half-time by the club's medical staff in case he spread the bug and yet they still ran riot.

Suárez, a forward scouted heavily by Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur while at Ajax, rejoiced in the freedom of Loftus Road. His clever drift away from Hill 10 minutes in to collect Stewart Downing's pass, before tearing at and beyond the back-pedalling centre-half, set the tone. The finish was precise and the hosts already looked in pieces. Within six minutes he had wriggled to the byline, cutting back towards Raheem Sterling in the centre. Onuoha's lunge denied the former QPR youngster but merely set up Suárez to thrash in a second. "He's a magician," said Steven Gerrard, even if an apprentice might have prospered against these opponents.

Agger's header as QPR dawdled at another short-corner routine completed the scoring, though Nelsen twice cleared attempts from his goalline, with the visitors content in their superiority. They will unveil Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea, and most likely Blackpool's Thomas Ince once the window opens this week. Rangers will not have the same leeway in the market but whatever additions they do secure must make an immediate impact before this miserable campaign unravels entirely.

Man of the match Luis Suárez (Liverpool)

Arsenal set two-week deadline for in-form Walcott to sign new deal - Daily Mail

By Sami Mokbel

PUBLISHED: 17:50 EST, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 17:50 EST, 30 December 2012

Arsenal want Theo Walcott's long-term future secured within the next fortnight.

Club officials are working to set up a second round of formal contract discussions with the player and his representatives in the next 14 days.

Arsenal are increasingly optimistic a deal can be reached. Sportsmail understands the 23-year-old's preference is to stay.

Main man: Theo Walcott was in exceptional form against Newcastle

But the original 75,000-per-week offer made on August 28 must be improved, while Walcott also wants assurances over his chances of playing as a centre forward on a regular basis.

The England star wants a package closer to 100,000 per week, but it is believed a deal of 85,000 or 90,000 would suit both parties.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will this week make their move to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha.

The Gunners are set to increase their starting offer to beat Manchester United to the England player's signature.

Arsenal had originally planned to make an 8million opening bid for the 20-year-old starlet, who wants to leave Selhurst Park in January.

However, they are considering a more lucrative starting offer to ensure Zaha's arrival.

Deadline: Arsenal want Walcott's new deal sewn up within the next two weeks

Icing on the cake: Walcott scores his third and Arsenal's seventh

The comments below have not been moderated.

Cant believe how stupid is Arsenal board. Why let contracts run down and even make it possible to lose players for nothing or is it accuse to cash them. You never see Djourou or Ramsey contracts ending.

- tobyz , London, 31/12/2012 06:27

dead wood arsenal,pathetic fans,walcott dont sign

- kamraps , kampala, Uganda, 31/12/2012 05:53

Frankly speaking, without trust and confident from WengerTheo won't be able to play like this and 85,000 or 90,000 per week should be good enough and 100,000 per week will be given by the club if he play up to next level. Nowadays, seems like players are more greedy then loyalty. Agreed with Anonymous. If Theo did leave, he might only have 1 year to be the regular and then become bench warmer like Na$ri and Clichy as well as Cesc, he is NOT the regular at Barca so do Song. Next year we might forget where is Song go. Anyway, Wenger give you the chance and give Wenger a Happy New Year persent by signing a new contract, please!

- Jesse Loks , Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 31/12/2012 05:20

Arsenal needs to think about adding some defensive depth as well. They flat out stink on the defensive side right now.

- Alex Delarge , Austin, United States, 31/12/2012 04:52

Keep this lad and push Podoloski more Forward. Suggestion from a Chelsea Fan

- NK , India, 31/12/2012 04:43

Shoulda used all that money/resources in renewing Ramsey's contract for Theo instead. Give him the money. Give him the position. Done.

- lekynson , Bladensburg, United States, 31/12/2012 04:42

Snap up Theo with a contract he cannot refuse and play him as CF. Bring on Pep as soon as he is available.Trophy drought never ending.Never ending rebuilding .Slick AW can move on to the Board or real estate! Happy New Year!!

- Prabu , Chennai, India, 31/12/2012 04:32

To anonymous, London: Well said, totally agree with you!

- Andre , Singapore, 31/12/2012 04:32

@abdel, london>>>The way you write as though Walcott has no clubs to go except at Arsenal and get playing time. Some players who joined Arsenal and now fans called them(Deadwood).

- denhen , singapore, 31/12/2012 03:45

Theo don't sign da ting!

- airbornespurs , Herts, 31/12/2012 03:36

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Using Twitter hurts athletes' performance, says Lord Coe as he attacks Olympic ... - Daily Mail

Lord Coe said he found a 'high correlation' between tweeting and underperformance
Thinly veiled attack against Olympic diver and keen tweeter Tom Daley

By Hannah Roberts

PUBLISHED: 20:23 EST, 30 December 2012 | UPDATED: 20:52 EST, 30 December 2012

Lord Coe has attacked sports stars who use Twitter too much, saying it is linked to 'underperformance'.

The Olympics organiser, who has been made a Companion of Honour in the New Year honours list, said he found it 'bizarre' that athletes spent their time writing banal comments online during competitions instead of concentrating on winning medals.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Olympic gold medallist said: 'I've always found quite a high correlation between people who spend their time in competition texting and tweeting and underperformance.

Correlation between tweet and fail: Lord Coe said that althletes who spent time on their phones underperformed during the games

Correlation between tweet and fail: Lord Coe said that athletes who spent time on their phones underperformed during the games

Distracted? Divers Tom Daley and Tonia Couch enjoying a meal in the Olympic Village in one of the photos posted online during the games

'I just can't imagine why you would want to be doing that when at the most important moment in your career you're thinking about telling the world you've just had a haircut or seen a movie.'

While he did not refer to anyone, his comments may ring in the ears of British stars whose promise did not quite live up to the hype.

Diver Tom Daley was expected to reach the gold standard. But the 18-year-old, who has more than two million followers on Twitter, took home only a bronze medal.

At the height of the Games, Daley was tweeting up to nine times a day.

As well as posting pictures of the Olympic Village, he chatted to celebrities such as Cheryl Cole and Mollie King, of pop group The Saturdays, and even attempted to drum up a TV appearance on comedy quiz show Keith Lemon's Celebrity Juice.

Keen tweeter: Tom Daley, who posted this picture of himself to two million followers on Twitter, 'only' won a bronze despite being expected to reach a gold

Criticised: Lord Coe said Olympians should stay off their phones during competitions - Tom Daley clearly does not agree

Not deserving of time off? A picture from Tom Daley's Twitter of himself and fellow athletes relaxing in the Olympic village

On his two competition days in the individual event, August 10 and 11, Daley posted on Twitter at least 18 times.

One message read: 'Competing in the individual prelims tonight at 7pm :) aaaaaaahhhh!!!!'

A later one read: 'Nap time before the finals! China seem unstoppable at the moment! But anything can happen! See you on the other side!' His spokesman did not return calls last night.

Before the Games, swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who won two gold medals at Beijing, swore off the internet after cruel taunts about her appearance.

But it didn't last long and she tweeted several times during her swimming final on July 29.

Pre-contest post: Tom Daley sent this tweet on the evening before the finals

Team Twitter: Tom Daley, seen being photographed by his teammates during a training session at the Aquatics Center during the games, tweeted up to nine times a day

Miss Adlington, who has more than 300,000 Twitter followers, posted: 'Just sneaked into tonights final in 8th place!

'Not expecting anything tonight, all I can do is my best :-) thank you for all the support x'

Later she wrote: 'Ahhhhhhhh bronze medal!!! Can't believe it! SOOO happy it's unreal! The crowd was incredible! THANK YOU to everyone, your support is amazing!'

Her spokesman declined to comment last night.

Thanking supporters: Rebecca Adlington tweets after her bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics

By comparison, Jessica Ennis, who stayed off Twitter during the fortnight of the Games because she did not want the distraction, took home gold in the heptathlon.

Lord Coe, who received a life peerage in 2000 for his services to sport, said that during his career he was so focused he did not even notice the people around him.

He added: 'I've walked past my parents. I've walked past close friends an hour before a race and not even recognised them or registered.

'So I just find it bizarre that people can be sitting there, figuring out in 140 characters what they would say to the world at that moment. Just go out and win the bloody race.'

During the Games, a number of athletes were criticised for using Twitter to promote their sponsors' products. Diver Tonia Couch wrote about her new car, while synchronised swimmer Jenna Randall tweeted almost daily about her five main sponsors.

The comments below have not been moderated.

What an absolute TOOL "lOrD Coe really is. All olympic representatives are to be congratulated not castigated by this fool. Also why no Honours for the disabled olympic winners on the same scale as Able Bodied athletes?

- Ivor Court , Hamburg_Germany, Germany, 31/12/2012 06:38

Perhaps being able to give our athletes greater support with better seat allocation would of also helped.

- Anon , UK, United Kingdom, 31/12/2012 06:35

So, Rebecca Addlington Tweeted several times during her final on 29 July ( note DM, this is a UK paper so it is not July 29). Well, no wonder she didn't win. You are supposed to be journalists, so you're sentences should make sense. I guess what you mean is that she Tweeted several times on the day of her final. - Chris, Canberra, Australia, 31/12/2012 04:01 I'm British and I'm ok with how DM print the date its how I do it !!! Can't believe that's all you can find to comment on , what does it matter , July 29 , 29 July !!

- stand up for England , Leeds, 31/12/2012 06:30

Never mind twitter , I can't believe a diver as a spokesman ... Hello all you do is dive , speak for yourself !!

- stand up for England , Leeds, 31/12/2012 06:26

From the man who brought you empty seats!

- cliff taylor , Edinburgh, 31/12/2012 05:46

It's a mental disease! I don't think people who use this can stop; for the vast majority of young people today have no discipline imposed on them and so devlop no SELF-discipline.

- dinerouk , DONCASTER, United Kingdom, 31/12/2012 05:37

Coe is getting like Cameron - has to comment on something every day, because he has to be in the limelight. As we won more medals than ever before, it doesn't really suggest that tweeting does much harm.

- Lin , Bromley, 31/12/2012 05:29

and this comes from (mr perfect).................

- grizz , oxford, United Kingdom, 31/12/2012 05:28

Lord Coe has said those who use Twitter too much saying it is linked to underperformance WELL TELL DAVID CAMERON THEN !!!

- Beat Girl , Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, 31/12/2012 04:58

I would tend to agree at face value but then look at Usain Bolt who is on it all the time - I wouldn't say he "under performed"

- lyla , London, 31/12/2012 04:14

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Sunday, 30 December 2012

Queens Park Rangers 0-3 Liverpool | Premier League match report - The Guardian

Harry Redknapp puffed out his cheeks, muttered something that relayed his disbelief to Joe Jordan at his side, then lent back against the dugout with a shake of his head in disgust. This mismatch was less than half an hour old and Queens Park Rangers were already embarrassed having just conceded a third goal, a thumping header dispatched by Daniel Agger. The centre-half was unmarked though that was not surprising, the hosts' attempts at resistance having long since disintegrated. This team is sinking without trace.

Recovery from this defensive shambles feels unlikely, even with January and another transfer frenzy only a few days away. That solitary league success, against Fulham earlier this month, lingers as a cruel false dawn in the context of a third successive defeat, form which, in truth, better sums up Rangers' campaign to date.

There was little sign of progress here, with no indication that the prerequisite upon taking up the reins at a struggling side – tightening up at the back – had been addressed. Luis Suárez tore the home side to shreds, with Liverpool's midfield combination revelling in wide open spaces at the Uruguayan's back.

The eight point gap from safety is a gulf, with this performance arguably every bit as abject as the surrender to Southampton under Mark Hughes in his last game in charge back in November. Redknapp has not had a chance to wheel and deal as yet but he will be third successive QPR manager to survey a transfer window with a sense of desperation.

Clint Hill and Ryan Nelsen are seasoned professionals and utterly committed, but slippery forwards such as Suárez can humiliate them. Both full-backs selected here, Armand Traoré and Nedum Onuoha, looked like broken men defensively. There is little protection in front of any of them, and Júlio César – recalled for Rob Green, who was left wallowing in his thoughts on the bench – cannot perform heroics alone. There is imbalance all around, and a trip to third-placed Chelsea to come on Wednesday. They scored eight the last time they trotted out at Stamford Bridge.

And to think this game had initially appeared to be another opportunity for Rangers to spark their recovery, as they had done against this opposition so memorably last term. Liverpool had arrived with the norovirus apparently festering in their squad, the manager Brendan Rodgers and No2 goalkeeper Brad Jones having been dispatched back to Merseyside earlier in the day at risk of infecting the entire party. As it transpired, it was the locals who played as if off colour while Suárez, a forward scouted heavily by Redknapp's Tottenham Hotspur while at Ajax, rejoiced in the freedom of Loftus Road.

His clever drift away from Hill 10 minutes in to collect Stewart Downing's pass, before tearing at and beyond the back-pedalling centre-half, set the tone. The finish was precise and the hosts already felt broken. Within six minutes he had wriggled to the by-line and cut the ball back towards Raheem Sterling in the centre. Onuoha's lunge denied the former QPR youngster but merely set up Suárez to thrash in a second from close range. It took César's wonderful save to deny him a hat-trick, though by then Liverpool were prising Rangers apart at will.

Agger's header as QPR dawdled at another short-corner routine had completed the first-half rewards, though Nelsen had twice cleared further attempts from his goal-line, with the visitors content in their superiority thereafter. QPR's response amounted to Djibril Cissé, once a European Cup winner with Liverpool, being withdrawn at the interval with Shaun Derry, one of the under-used survivors from Neil Warnock's promotion side, belatedly asked to anchor midfield. The departing Frenchman had hardly mustered a touch.

At some stage in the next few weeks, Redknapp must persuade a goalscorer to join the ranks – as Liverpool have done with Daniel Sturridge – with his team's only suggestion of bite here a flurry of optimistic shots from distance from Adel Taarabt. A dispirited home support were left to cheer the ball drifting into José Reina's goal after it was returned to the pitch by a ball-boy, though the disillusion had returned by the end. The chorus of boos that erupted at the final whistle was predictable if understandable. At present, all optimism has drained away from these parts.

Man of the match Luis Suárez (Liverpool)

Arsenal ready to swoop for Everton star: All the transfer news from Sunday's ... - Mirror.co.uk

The transfer window is almost here again! Here's the latest gossip and rumours from today's papers and around the web.

Sir Alex Ferguson has told Manchester United contract rebel Nani that he does have a future at Old Trafford - and has set his sights on Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.

Chelsea are confident they have won the £40m race for Colombian star Radamel Falcao.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will this week open talks with Ashley Cole about a summer move.

Germany Under-21 captain Lewis Holtby will hold talks with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham in January over an end-of-season move.

Arsenal will attempt to schedule another round of contract talks with Theo Walcott in January.

Liverpool and Newcastle are competing for France Under-21 defender Nicolas Isimat Mirin.

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is plotting a daring raid for Manchester City and England centre-half Joleon Lescott.

Wesley Sneijder has told Inter Milan he wants to leave NOW!

Chelsea will have to wait until the summer if they want to sign £25million-rated Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp will make a move for Rennes striker Mevlut Erdinc this January, as well as Everton's Sylvain Distin, Liverpool's Joe Cole and Momo Diame of West Ham.

Manchester United keeper David De Gea will be a £20million target for Real Madrid in the summer.

Demba Ba may be forced to stay at Newcastle after demands from his advisers for extra payments pushed his fee above £12million.

Arsenal chiefs will launch an audacious move to bring in Brian Marwood from Manchester City to help Arsene Wenger end his trophy drought.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will tell Real Madrid that Gareth Bale is valued at £60million.

Chelsea have emerged as the favourites to sign Demba Ba for £7m once the January transfer window opens. (Sunday Telegraph)

Blue Ba? Newcastle's Demba Ba is on Chelsea's shopping list

Manchester City are ready to make a bid for England defender Ryan Shawcross if he doesn't sign the six-year deal Stoke have offered him. (Mail on Sunday)

LA Galaxy will offer Frank Lampard the same wage packet as David Beckham in a bid to lure the Chelsea star to the MLS. (Sun on Sunday)

Arsenal are poised to launch a £10million swoop for Everton ace Leighton Baines. (Daily Star Sunday)

The Gunners are also weighing up a move for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye. (Daily Star Sunday)

Arsenal are leading the £5m chase for Southampton's 17-year-old left-back Luke Shaw. (Mail on Sunday)

Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out a January move for David Beckham. (Mail on Sunday)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton will go back for £3m Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith after missing out on him in the summer. (Mail on Sunday)

Everton boss David Moyes has revealed he missed out on the chance to sign Chelsea's Eden Hazard when he was a youngster at Lille, because the Toffees couldn't afford him. (Sunday Express)

Spanish side Espanyol are reportedly set to offer Michael Owen a surprise escape route from Stoke City during the January transfer window. (Metro)