Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits his side have missed Daniel Sturridge this season after his goal against West Ham.
The striker scored on his return to Premier League action on Saturday as he came off the bench to add Liverpool’s second in a 2-0 win at Anfield.
It was Sturridge’s first appearance in five months and the goal his first since the opening day of the season when he netted against Southampton.
The goal came within 15 minutes of his introduction and Rodgers welcomed his goalscoring return after being without his star striker for a large chunk of the season.
“He just moved naturally into position, and we’ve missed that – that pace and that finishing. You’ve seen him there with 25 minutes and he could have had a couple of goals,” said Rodgers.
“His first touch was brilliant and that’s what he can do. A great finish and it was nice for him to come back and get a goal.”
Liverpool are now unbeaten in eight Premier League games and have won five of their last six.
Saturday’s win takes them up to seventh in the table, climbing above West Ham, who are without an away win since December 2.
Liverpool are now four points adrift of the top four, although that could change if Southampton draw or win against Swansea on Sunday afternoon.
Rodgers’ side will continue their quest for a top-six finish at least with a trip to Merseyside rivals Everton next Saturday.
Liverpool are 2.27 to win at Goodison Park, while struggling Everton are priced at 2.80 and a draw is 3.31.
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