Liverpool's season may have still some thrills for their fans, and today they surely had one to remember. After five months out due to an injury, Daniel Sturridge came back to score his second goal this season for Brendan Rodgers' squad, while helping the Reds defeat West Ham United, keeping their European football hopes for next season alive.
Things were not turning out as expected for the hosts, after 45 minutes of domination but without the benefit of scoring. Five minutes into the second half, Raheem Sterling made it 1-0 after a through ball by Philippe Coutinho, key for the Reds today with two assists.
Almost 20 minutes before the game ended, Sturridge came back after five months out due to injury. His first attempt on West Ham's net was deflected by Adrian, but his next shot ended up in the back of the net, after taking advantage of a great individual play by Coutinho.
With this result, Liverpool maintain their seventh spot in the Premier League standings, but their fans may have something to smile about with Sturridge's comeback. The English striker will add depth for Brendan Rodgers' ailing attack, whose strikers have struggled all season to replace Luis Suarez.
Here's what fans had to say about Sturridge's classy return!
2 goals, 3 points, Sturridge is back, clean sheet, up to 7th.
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 31, 2015
Sturridge scores and Mignolet keeps a clean sheet. This is heaven.
— Anfield Chat (@TheAnfieldChat) January 31, 2015
Balotelli after 12 matches - 0 goals. Sturridge after 12 minutes - 1 goal ~O_ | /\ _O~ | /\ ~O~ | /\
— Footy Jokes (@Footy_Jokes) January 31, 2015
Sturridge has played 25 mins today and has been more effective than Balotelli/Lambert/Borini combined have been in his 5 month absence.
— Mootaz (@Mootaz_LFC) January 31, 2015
Tactics: Get on the pitch. Score a goal within minutes. #LFC #LIVWHU @D_Sturridge pic.twitter.com/iWpUikdV2x
— LFC Photo (@LFCphoto) January 31, 2015
Le grand come-back de Daniel Sturridge !!! https://t.co/IxtA7JvyyT
— Insolite-Foot (@InsoliteFoot) January 31, 2015
Now Sturridge is back I suggest Rodgers wraps him up in cotton wool puts him safely in a cupboard & brings him out only for the next game.
— Rich (@bertelephant) January 31, 2015