After a five month absence absence through injury, Daniel Sturridge made his long awaited return for Liverpool last weekend – and what a return it was! Sturridge’s late goal against West Ham United after coming off the bench sealed victory for the Reds but also signaed a welcome end to the woes they have endured up front this season. The relief was palpable. Sturridge’s teammates quickly rushed over to celebrate while manager Brendan Rodgers pumped his fist in the air. It was a wonderful return for the man who had formed such a lethal partnership with Luis Suarez last season and his goal scoring instinct is something the Reds have been desperately looking for.
Sturridge was still a bit of off pace at times and mishit a few small but when Philippe Coutinho’s silky pass found him on the right flank, the striker controlled well with his left foot before launching a powerful and precise shot inside the far post with his right.
Sturridge’s presence seemed to settle Liverpool. After he came on, Raheem Sterling – having already scored a wonderful goal himself – looked much more at ease sitting in behind where his lightning speed and fast feet can be put to better use. All of a sudden, the attacking trio of Sterling, Sturridge and Coutinho suggest the Reds will be a threat again in the coming months. Whether Rodgers now opts for the same 4-3-3 formation he used for much of last season remains to be seen, but the presence of Sturridge will give the Reds hope of finishing in the top four – a prospect that looked rather remote not so long ago.
