GLEN Johnson's brave late header ended Liverpool's run of three successive Premier League defeats as captain Steven Gerrard was dropped to the bench on the 16th anniversary of his first-team debut.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers insisted the 34-year-old was left out of his starting line-up with an eye on a busy forthcoming programme, but it was still a major call at a time of intensifying pressure.
Rodgers had £87m worth of his summer signings accompanying Gerrard as substitutes - but he also had the huge relief of ending the recent dismal run that has put Liverpool's Champions League ambitions under threat by securing a crucial win.
Charlie Austin was the match winner for QPR who moved off the bottom of the table by beating struggling Leicester.
The visitors ended their five-game goal drought early on as Esteban Cambiasso swept in from the edge of the area.
QPR forced an equaliser though as Wes Morgan put through his own net, before midfielder Leroy Fer put them in front, smashing home from close range.
Leicester's Jamie Vardy hit the bar, and Jeffrey Schlupp stroked in, but Austin's header won it for QPR.
A late Danny Ings penalty rescued a point for Burnley, and denied Aston Villa a first win in nine matches.
Joe Cole scored on his first Premier League start for the away side with a poked shot past keeper Tom Heaton.
But Graham Scott, refereeing his first Premier League game, awarded Burnley a late penalty when Villa defender Jores Okore hauled down Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Ings kept his composure to place the spot kick into the roof of the net and extend Burnley's unbeaten run to three.
Wayne Rooney scored his second goal in seven matches as Manchester United beat Hull City 3-0. Robin Van Persie got the third after Chris Smalling had given United an early lead.
Crystal Palace produced a spirited display to earn a point from a lively encounter at the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea dominated the early exchanges and went ahead when Wilfried Bony shot on the turn into the bottom corner for his sixth goal in the last eight games.
But Jonjo Shelvey felled Marouane Chamakh and Mile Jedinak converted from the spot to equalise for Palace.
Aaron Cresswell scored his first Premier League goal as West Ham moved up to fifth in the table with victory over 10-man Newcastle.
In the early kick-off, Arsenal prevented a third straight Premier League loss with victory over a lacklustre West Brom at The Hawthorns.
The Gunners started the fixture with their lowest points tally after 12 games in 32 years but Danny Welbeck's powerful header moved them fourth.
Welbeck - denied by a Ben Foster save in the first half - powered in Santi Cazorla's cross after half-time.
