Sturridge: Suarez was angry that I missed penalty
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge stands dejected after missing a penalty kick at Anfield. Picture credit: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.
LIVERPOOL striker Daniel Sturridge admits his failed attempts to score a hat-trick in their 4-0 victory in the 222nd Merseyside derby left teammate Luis Suarez "fuming".
The England international missed a penalty, generously handed to him by captain Steven Gerrard, which would have completed his treble and later found himself so focused on trying to score he ignored his strike partner in a much better position in front of goal.
That prompted a good few minutes of verbal complaint from the visibly unhappy Uruguay international before Sturridge was substituted by Brendan Rodgers, which provoked a mild show of petulance from the 24-year-old.
Sturridge apologised to his teammates in the dressing room and was instantly forgiven and he believes that team ethic will stand them in good stead as they seek a top-four spot.
"Luis was obviously fuming – I think everyone was fuming with me and I was fuming with myself," said the England forward, whose two goals against Everton took his tally to 15 for the season.
"You could see I was disappointed with missing a penalty at the Kop end, but it was more important we won the game and everyone was happy.
"I am disappointed not to score a hat-trick but at the same time we won 4-0 at home against Everton and I can't be too hard on myself.
"Sometimes you score, sometimes you get a hat-trick, sometimes you don't and it wasn't the night for me.
DELIGHTED
"We wanted to put on a performance and work hard as a team and we are delighted with the victory.
"It is about the team. I keep saying it but it is about the boys working hard as a team and, if we do that, we will get results. The boys give me the licence to do what I do, we work tirelessly as a unit and that is what it is all about.
"There are 15 games to go and we'll take every game as it comes and work hard as a team and see where we are at the end of the season."
Sturridge has been at the club just over a year, having proved to be a January transfer window success, with 26 goals in 32 appearances.
He has forged a devastating partnership with Suarez, with the pair contributing 36 league goals in the current campaign, and is enjoying his football.
"The love I have for this club grows each day and I want to thank the fans for the way they have embraced me," he added.