It is not hard to see where things have gone wrong for Liverpool in trying to replicate last season’s title challenging form.
Of their 101 goals last year, 52 came from the partnership of Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez, with the pair also contributing 20 assists between them.
Taking that out of any line-up would be tough to replace.
With Suarez being sold on to Barcelona coach Brendan Rodgers was prepared to wear that loss, but he has had to do without Sturridge being out for most of the season because of unexpected injury problems.
Therefore, Liverpool have mustered only 33 goals in 24 games at an average of 1.37 this season, compared to last year’s 2.65.
Sturridge, though, is finally over his injury woes and has begun the process of returning to being a goalscoring frontman. Yesterday’s substitute appearance in the goalless draw at Everton was only his second time on the pitch since August. What he lacked in match sharpness he made up for in presence and Liverpool were certainly more of a threat with him on the pitch.
Despite a disappointing season that sees them seventh, Rodgers’s men still have a good chance of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League, and having Sturridge back and fresh could be the catalyst for them to kick on.
They are only four points behind fourth place, which says more about the inconsistency and problems of their rivals than it does Liverpool’s virtues.
Sturridge is the best striker on Liverpool’s books, not just because of his scoring prowess, but because of his link-up play.
Certainly Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho have missed him tremendously and it is likely Rodgers will start him against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday in a must-win game.
gcaygill@thenational.ae
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