Jamie Carragher shared that Liverpool attacker Daniel Sturridge would have surprised himself when he missed a clear opportunity to score against Chelsea on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old forward did end up scoring for the Reds with an overhead kick during their recent 2-1 defeat to the Blues but could have scored earlier as he found himself with a one on one chance.
Carragher shared that Sturridge appeared to be so surprised not to score his first clear-cut chance of the game and believed it was because he knows that he is usually so cool in those positions.
“Yea listen it was a great finish (Sturridge’s goal) the overhead kick, I think I mentioned in commentary, half the goal was gaping but still to be able to produce that…(asked why he finished that chance) yeah it’s because of the quality of the player,” said the former Reds defender on Sky Sports Main Event (Wednesday September 26, 22:02).
“I expect Daniel Sturridge to score that really, the goalie should do better, it’s not a bad strike from Keita but that’s just a cool finish, that’s why he’s still at the club due to that finishing ability.
“That’s why he was so surprised with the first one when he goes round the keeper as he’s normally so cool in that position, I think I remember about 12-18 months ago, he was in a similar position against West Ham away from home and I was doing co-commentary then.
“There was never any doubt in my mind that he was going to score again and I felt exactly the same when I saw him going through.
“I think he was thinking the keeper was going to get a touch on it but he’s usually just so great in that position, I just think he thinks the defender is a little closer and he can’t take that extra step.”
OPINION
Sturridge, who earns £120,000-a-week at Anfield (Source: Spotrac) did well not to let missing a golden chance during the game get to him. The forward responded in the best possible way by finding the net minutes later by scoring a beautiful goal in order to put the Reds’ 1-0 up. The only disappointment is that his side weren’t able to build on his goal as they went on to lose the game 2-1 and end their EFL Cup journey for this season before it had really gotten underway. Hopefully Sturridge is able to continue getting chances at Anfield as while he did waste an opportunity to score, which he should have taken, he always good for a goal. The 29-year-old is a valuable player to have to call upon from the bench and is a fantastic option to have in order to rest players such as Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane when the fixture list starts to get them.
