Sturridge gives Reds opening win over Saints
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GOALS from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge helped Liverpool begin the post-Luis Suarez era with a 2-1 victory over a new-look Southampton at a sun-soaked Anfield yesterday.
Sterling, one of a number of Liverpool players to enhance their reputation last season, gave the hosts the lead midway through the first half after a fine pass from England teammate Jordan Henderson.
A thunderous shot from Nathaniel Clyne drew the visitors level shortly after the break, before Sturridge scored the winner with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Suarez’s 31 goals helped Liverpool to second place in the English Premier League last season, but the Uruguayan was sold to Barcelona after receiving a four-month ban for biting during the World Cup.
His sale helped fund around 100 million pounds (US$166.95 million) of new arrivals, but Brendan Rodgers’ side largely failed to hit the thrilling heights of last term in its first league outing.
Southampton, itself embarking on a new period under the guidance of Dutchman Ronald Koeman and after the departures of a number of key names, gave a decent account of itself in what is expected to be a season of rebuilding.
At one point, Liverpool looked destined to drop points in its first competitive game since Suarez’s departure, but with 11 minutes to play, Sterling teed up Sturridge to flick home the winning goal.
With debutantes Javier Manquillo and Dejan Lovren — the former Southampton defender — in its starting XI, Liverpool dominated possession in the early stages and took the lead in the 23rd minute.
The goal owed much to the tenacity of Henderson, who helped Manquillo dispossess Dusan Tadic, won a 50-50 with Morgan Schneiderlin, and then freed Sterling to beat Fraser Forster with a first-time finish.
But Southampton was not cowed by Liverpool’s opener and equalized in the 56th. Clyne rolled a pass forward to Tadic and the Serbian held off his marker before backheeling the ball into the path of his onrushing teammate, who thrashed a shot into the top-right corner.
Rodgers sent on Rickie Lambert, another who left Southampton in the close season, in the 76th, but it was Sturridge who claimed the winner.
There was time for one last scare for Liverpool, with Mignolet touching a drive from Schneiderlin onto the bar and Southampton debutante Shane Long — a late substitute — heading the rebound wide.
Manchester City was opening its title defense later at Newcastle United.
Manchester United’s campaign got off to a false start on Saturday when it lost 1-2 at home to Swansea City in new manager Louis van Gaal’s first competitive game. Arsenal, meanwhile, needed a stoppage-time goal from Aaron Ramsey to overcome Crystal Palace 2-1.
(Agencies)
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