Daniel Sturridge was recalled to the Liverpool starting XI for their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Sunday – and fans took to Twitter to deliver critical verdicts of his performance.
The striker, 28, was given the nod to start ahead of the axed Roberto Firmino as Jurgen Klopp made four changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Spartak Moscow in Russia on Tuesday night.
Sturridge struggled to make an impact against a well-organised Newcastle and he was left ruing one golden chance to secure all three points for the home side.
The score was 1-1 midway through the second half, after Joselu had cancelled out Philippe Coutinho’s brilliant opener, when a Ciaran Clark air clearance left Sturridge just Rob Elliot to beat from inside the penalty box.
The forward had time to pick his spot but could not beat Elliot, who parried a shot that was struck too close to him.
Sturridge played the full 90 minutes of the St James’ Park encounter but did not add to the single goal he has scored this season and Liverpool fans on social media were distinctly unimpressed.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
It was clear to see today that Sturridge in our system doesnt fit well, doesnt have the movement and work ethic Firmino has
— Adam Tucker (@Ay_Jay_Tee) October 1, 2017
He’s simply a squad player. Sturridge proved he’s simply past it. No desire to get stuck in.
— Blade Red (@bladered) October 1, 2017
Correct and Sturridge can’t start another game again.
— kev jones (@bigjobjones) October 1, 2017
I wonder how Sturridge thinks. He had just one job to do today. Put the ball in d back of d net when d opportunity presented itself
— A.O (@ObiekeaA) October 1, 2017
#Sturridge just isn’t the same player, can’t hold the ball up, massive mistake not starting #firmino! We go again #YNWA
— Adam Forshaw (@adforsh) October 1, 2017
I like Gomez but would bin Sturridge tomorrow.
— Gary McNally (@GMac054) October 1, 2017
Mané had an off game, but Sturridge was awful. He conceded possession for the equaliser, and missed a one on one. Unlucky equaliser though ????
— Andrew Highton (@Andy_Pandy1984) October 1, 2017
Sturridge’s legs have completely gone , unless he’s just scared to run . Would rather have the old 15 game a season firing Studge any day
— Zahilarious (@i_am_zahil) October 1, 2017