Over the past few months, Daniel Sturridge has taken every opportunity that’s fallen his way. He did it in preseason, turning heads while his more popular teammates recovered from the World Cup, and he did it Tuesday with a rare appearance in the Champions League.
It was his first Champions League start in 2,379 days, and he made it count with a fine header against Paris Saint-Germain. He wasn’t the most active player on the pitch, but he didn’t have to be. Sturridge found himself in dangerous positions, stretched the lines, and kept PSG’s defenders on their toes. He was the reference point for Liverpool’s attack.
Jurgen Klopp defined a role for Sturridge in the summer when it was largely assumed the 28-year-old would leave the club for good. The manager resisted several calls to sell the striker, instead calling him an “outstanding” player who simply needs to stay fit.
It was a curious pet project to undertake. For a manager who demands pressing and maximum physical exertion, Klopp took a flexible and compassionate approach to Sturridge, allowing him to carry out his own specially-tailored training regimen. Klopp didn’t expect him to be the most physical or athletic player, nor would it be possible after so many years on the treatment table. Sturridge suffered virtually every injury a player can possibly have, missing a reported 567 days of action since January 2013.
“Does he have to play 50-something games? No,” Klopp said in July, according to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone. “But hopefully he will play a few really good ones. That is the plan.”
Sturridge ended up scoring six goals in nine preseason appearances, and Klopp’s bet was further vindicated Tuesday. Sturridge was forced into the lineup following an eye injury to Roberto Firmino and constantly tested PSG’s backline. He could’ve scored a second goal with a little more match sharpness, but his effort was enough to earn a standing ovation from Anfield in the 70th minute.
PAUL ELLIS / AFP / Getty
Although he seems like an odd fit – more of a poacher in an otherwise fast-paced, fluid system – Sturridge could become an important Plan B for Liverpool this season. He can offer a more direct route to goal when matches become chess games and force defenders to stay back. There’s no way Sturridge will unseat Roberto Firmino in the club’s starting XI, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have an impact. Sturridge can get on the end of crosses, just as he did Tuesday when Andy Robertson delivered one of his many delectable balls.
“Daniel played a super game,” Klopp told BT Sport’s Des Kelly. “I told him before the game I have never seen him as fit as he is in the moment. He used that fitness. He was all over the park. He helped left and right, he was in the box when he was needed.”
There have been times when Liverpool struggled to break down banks of four, and when that happens again, Sturridge has the skills to find a way through. He doesn’t have to press and drop deep – even though that’s something he’s happy to do – but arrive in the penalty area when it counts. There’s value in his simplicity.
Sturridge shouldn’t feel too perturbed about the diminished role. If anything, it’s provided the parameters to ensure he stays in shape. Considering the Reds are a threat in multiple competitions, Klopp has an obligation to rotate his players, and Sturridge is an important reinforcement to have. Klopp doesn’t really want anyone making upwards of 50 appearances this season, and a player like Sturridge will mitigate the workload.
He could’ve spent the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract on loan, out of mind and out of the limelight, but Klopp made sure Sturridge wouldn’t again slip into obscurity. So far, he’s responded in kind.
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THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Kevin Durant, your spot on the next championship-caliber team is waiting.
Welcome to Los Angeles.
No, not the Lakers.
We’re talking about the Rams.
On Monday, a day after Durant expressed admiration in an Instagram Stories video for defensive tackle Aaron Donald and a desire to join the Los Angeles Rams, coach Sean McVay said he certainly had a role in mind for the 6-foot-9, 240-pound two-time NBA champion.
Todd Gurley ran for three touchdowns, Jared Goff threw for 354 yards and a touchdown and the Los Angeles Rams dominated the Arizona Cardinals 34-0 on Sunday.
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“I bet he’d be pretty dangerous in the red zone on some of those jump balls,” McVay said, smiling.
The Rams are coming off a 34-0 shutout of the Arizona Cardinals and are 2-0, as talk of a Super Bowl continues to grow louder.
The Rams feature one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL, with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Donald and All-Pro’s Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh. The unit has already posted six consecutive shutout quarters this season.
As for the offense, reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley is tied for first in the league with four touchdowns, and the offense is averaging 33.5 points per game behind third-year quarterback Jared Goff (a lifelong Warriors fan).
But still, McVay said there’s room for one more superstar: Durant.
“If he thinks about wanting to do that, we’ll welcome him,” McVay said, chuckling. “He can come kick it with us anytime he wants.”
Monaco – Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim admitted his current line up was not as fearsome as it once was, but that his players were hyped up with Atletico Madrid arriving for Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
In the 2016-2017 season Monaco beat Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund before losing to Juventus in the semi-finals, with club owner Dmitry Rybolovlev then selling a raft of stars headed by Kylian Mbappe to Paris Saint-Germain.
Portuguese handler Jardim was swift to recognise at a pre-match press conference that while his side had sold, Atletico had kept hold of stars such as French striker Antoine Griezmann.
“Our opponent has a depth of both talent and experience, but here there are new faces, anyone who follows football knows this,” said Jardim.
“You might easily imagine new players need time to settle, but my players have the ambition to become a great side and to do that quickly,” he said.
“For Tuesday against Atletico, if we keep this attitude and be more technically sound, the goal will be to win. To start the competition with a win and do everything to qualify.”
Monaco however have won just one game so far this season and have just five points from five Ligue 1 outings.
Monaco will now be hoping that their big guns – captain Radamel Falcao and fellow attackers Stevan Jovetic, Rony Lopes and Aleksandr Golovin – can return from injury in time for Atletico.
One of Monaco’s recent recruits the 21-year-old German defender Benjamin Henrichs agreed with his new coach.
“Atletico have some good players, great individuals in terms of attacking prowess. I saw them play, we are going to have to defend compactly,” he said.
“Playing in the Champions League might be an honour in itself, but we are here to get to the next round.”
Sat alongside him at the press conference Jardim nodded approval.
“We have to accept who we are, who they are and do our best, no moaning, just stay positive and ambitious.”
Concern grew for a few teams with Super Bowl hopes in the second week of the 2018 NFL season. The Patriots, Eagles and Steelers all fell, the Vikings and Packers settled for a tie (yes, another one!) and the Saints just slipped by for a close win.
Here are all of the biggest takeaways from Week 2 (through Sunday’s afternoon games).
The Bengals are 2-0 for the first time since 2015 and have all the confidence in the world as they head into a two-game road stretch against the Panthers and Falcons. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green proved their connection is alive and well with three touchdowns in the first half, which bodes well for the future of the team’s offense. — Katherine Terrell
Joe Flacco goes from the place where he struggles the most (Cincinnati) to his comfort zone, back home next week at M&T Bank Stadium to face the Broncos. When playing at home in September, Flacco is 16-2 with 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His passer rating is 99.5. — Jamison Hensley
The most frustrating aspect of Sunday’s tie relayed by Vikings players and coach Mike Zimmer was how many chances they had to put the Packers away. The Vikings settled for field goals, which rookie kicker Daniel Carlson missed. “Guys are supposed to do their jobs,” Zimmer said. “Maybe we should’ve thrown a ball into the end zone a couple of times at the end, but I believed that the guy was going to make the kick.” The Vikings have a good chance to improve to 2-0-1 when they host the winless Bills in Week 3. — Courtney Cronin
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Daniel Carlson misses a 35-yard field goal attempt in overtime as time expires, giving the Vikings a 29-29 tie with the Packers.
The most talked about subject after the Packers’ tie wasn’t how Aaron Rodgers valiantly played with an injured left knee. Rather, it was the questionable roughing-the-passer call on Clay Matthews that wiped out a late fourth-quarter interception that might have clinched the win. And you can bet it will be a point of discussion right up until next Sunday’s game at Washington, which became even more critical after the tie. — Rob Demovsky
Matt Ryan made plays with his arm and his feet, accounting for four TDs and igniting his teammates with some Cam Newton-like scrambles. With Ryan playing at a high level, rookie Calvin Ridley scoring a TD and the Falcons establishing a running game behind Tevin Coleman (16 rushes, 107 rushing yards) — not to mention creative playcalling and an admirable job by a banged-up offensive line — the Falcons go into next week’s showdown with the Saints confident in their ability to put up points. — Vaughn McClure
The run defense, in the word of Panthers coach Ron Rivera, was “terrible” and the number of dropped passes was “disappointing.” Throw in a makeshift offensive line because of injuries, and it was almost a miracle Carolina had a chance to tie Atlanta on the last play. Nevertheless, it put more emphasis on the need to win the next two games at home against Cincinnati and the New York Giants. Win those to get to 3-1 with outside linebacker Thomas Davis returning from a four-game suspension, and the sting from Sunday’s loss won’t feel so bad. — David Newton
The Chiefs have reason to believe they can outscore the 49ers next Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium — and any of their other opponents down the line. They started strong offensively last year before hitting a midseason slump, but they also didn’t have Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. His presence, plus an improved collection of skill players that includes Sammy Watkins, makes them more difficult to defend this season. — Adam Teicher
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Patrick Mahomes carves up Pittsburgh with six touchdown passes and now has an NFL-record 10 TD passes his first two weeks of the season.
The Steelers’ offense still has its fastball and looks ready to win shootouts after Ben Roethlisberger’s 452-yard performance, but why should it have to? The team has spent significant draft capital on a defense that looked confused and overmatched against the Chiefs. Players admitted communication breakdowns dug them a 21-0 deficit, and that shouldn’t happen on a team stocked with veterans. Monday Night Football will be a gut-check for a 0-1-1 team with Super Bowl hopes. — Jeremy Fowler
This “Fitz-Magic” thing is real. Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for eight touchdowns and has a rushing TD and the Bucs are 2-0 for the first time since 2010. But credit also goes to the defense for getting more pressure on Nick Foles than they did Drew Brees last week. Rookie defensive backs Carlton Davis, M.J. Stewart and Jordan Whitehead looked fine stepping into big roles because of injuries. — Jenna Laine
The Eagles have some issues to deal with coming out of their loss to the Bucs. Jason Peters, Mike Wallace got banged up, and there was a lack of discipline and execution on both sides of the ball. But the winds are about to shift. Carson Wentz is expected to make his return next week at home against the Colts, which will likely invigorate this team and keep the sting of this loss from lingering. — Tim McManus
Two weeks and two wake-up calls for the Saints, but at least they got a victory this time. The Saints’ offense flopped for most of the day while the defense actually kept them afloat (the exact opposite of Week 1’s 48-40 loss to Tampa Bay). Drew Brees said they might have left more “points out there” than he could ever remember. The good news: New Orleans goes into this week’s game at Atlanta with a “huge sense of urgency for our improvement,” according to Brees. — Mike Triplett
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Wil Lutz hits a 44-yard field goal to put the Saints up 21-18 against the Browns and win the game.
A quick turnaround for Thursday night’s game against the Jets awaits, so the Browns can’t wallow after another brutal loss. The team that can’t seem to get things right may face the Jets with a new place-kicker after Zane Gonzalez missed two field goals and two extra points in a three-point loss to the Saints. — Pat McManamon
Andrew Luck’s play may no longer dictate whether the Colts win or lose, if Sunday was any indication. Luck hurt the Colts with two interceptions on their side of the field, only to be bailed out by the defense. The D, which has finished 20th or worse in five of the past six seasons, held Washington to nine points. Second-round pick Darius Leonard was the best player on the field this week with 18 tackles, a sack and an interception. Indy faces the defending champion Eagles in Week 3. — Mike Wells
The Redskins’ offense can’t just sling the ball around and win without a consistent run game. Against the Colts, they rushed for only 65 yards — 117 fewer than a week ago. The offensive line did not handle the Colts’ movement up front, so they can expect to see more of this style moving forward. Considering they play high-powered Green Bay next week, the Redskins can’t afford another bad day in the ground game. — John Keim
In Mike Vrabel’s first victory as an NFL coach, creativity and tempo help generate a spark without quarterback Marcus Mariota and top offensive tackles Taylor Lewan and Dennis Kelly. Safety Kevin Byard had a 66-yard touchdown pass on a fake punt, and Tennessee mixed in Derrick Henry in a Wildcat look. Vrabel said Mariota will be further evaluated after not playing on Sunday, as the Titans hope to have their QB back for next week’s road trip to Jacksonville. — Turron Davenport
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Titans’ Kevin Byard takes the direct snap in punt formation and tosses to a wide open Dane Cruikshank for a 66-yard touchdown vs. the Texans.
The Texans need better pass protection for Deshaun Watson, who was hit nine times and sacked four Sunday. Watson constantly faced pressure and didn’t have time to throw, especially early. Julie’n Davenport, who started at right tackle after Seantrel Henderson was put on IR last week, said the offensive line “has to be better” starting next week when the Texans play host to the Giants. — Sarah Barshop
The Dolphins are 2-0 for the first time since 2013, and coach Adam Gase said they plan to “keep surprising people.” An efficient Ryan Tannehill and attacking defense led the way for a team that is riding an early-season high and feels like they can be a surprise playoff contender. The field is open for them in a weak AFC. — Cameron Wolfe
Memo to those who believe Sam Darnold had arrived after his big debut: He’s a rookie. He will make mistakes. He threw two interceptions as the Jets dropped their home opener, and now he has only three days to prepare for the Browns’ blitz-heavy defense on Thursday night. This is the growing-pain phase. — Rich Cimini
The Chargers earned their first victory without the services of defensive end Joey Bosa. Melvin Ingram and Derwin James filled the void, helping the Chargers to five sacks against rookie Josh Allen. The Chargers face another tough task against the Rams — a Week 3 battle for Los Angeles at the Coliseum — which will be a barometer on if the Bolts remain favorites to reach the postseason for the first time since 2013. — Eric D. Williams
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Philip Rivers passes to Melvin Gordon, who glides in for a 9-yard score to put the Chargers up 21-3 over the Bills.
Allen’s NFL starting debut was overshadowed by another poor defensive performance, at least in the first half. After allowing 47 points to the Ravens in the opener, Buffalo trailed the Chargers, 28-6, at halftime. When it returned for the second half, cornerback Vontae Davis had abruptly retired and coach Sean McDermott had taken over playcalling duties from defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. The Bills have four of their next five games on the road, including the next two at Minnesota and Green Bay. — Mike Rodak
It may be only Week 2, but the Jaguars’ victory over the Patriots should send a message to the rest of the NFL that their success in 2017 wasn’t a fluke. The franchise had been 0-8 against Tom Brady and had beaten the Patriots once in 12 previous meetings. The Jags can’t dwell on this victory too much, though, because they play host division-rival Tennessee on Sunday. Tennessee swept the Jaguars last season, and a victory on Sunday would give them a 2.5-game lead in the AFC South. — Michael DiRocco
The Patriots’ defense was the biggest disappointment as Blake Bortles finished with 377 yards and four scores. The Pats didn’t follow through on one of their key game-plan points of keeping Bortles in the pocket. A trip to Detroit is on deck, where the Patriots would like to show former New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia that they’re better than they played against the Jaguars. — Mike Reiss
The Rams’ defense has posted six consecutive scoreless quarters, and while Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh aren’t filling up the stat sheet, their presence certainly has been felt by opposing quarterbacks. The challenge next week against the Chargers and Philip Rivers will be to force turnovers, which they were unable to do Sunday. — Lindsey Thiry
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Todd Gurley carries the Rams with a three-touchdown day in their home opener at LA Coliseum.
There is a lot of work to be done for the Cardinals, especially on offense. Arizona has scored only six points in eight quarters, struggling to run or pass the ball. In fact, the Cardinals are 4-of-20 on third downs this season, so unless the offense can figure something out soon, the Cardinals’ season could be lost before it really gets going. — Josh Weinfuss
The Niners couldn’t afford a loss to Detroit, especially with difficult road games against the Chiefs and Chargers up next. With a 66-yard jolt of lightning from running back Matt Breida and a fortunate defensive holding call on the Lions, the 49ers got the job done. “A win is a win, but it felt like a loss,” cornerback Richard Sherman said after the game. They must be better in all phases if they’re going to slow down the Patrick Mahomes train next week in Kansas City. — Nick Wagoner
There are signs of life for the Lions, and that’s encouraging for a team that looked in real trouble after the first seven quarters of the season. Multiple players even admitted Sunday was “progress” after 31-point loss to the Jets on Monday. Detroit gave itself a shot to win at the end, so, at least in theory, the Lions have something to build on heading into Week 3 against New England. — Michael Rothstein
Two games, two fourth-quarter comebacks and two wins for the Broncos. “We showed a lot of character and fight, and that’s good, but we can’t keep waiting like that,” cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said. With games coming up against the Ravens, Rams and Chiefs, Denver can’t keep racing the clock in the fourth quarter to try to clean up early mistakes. The Broncos had one first down in the first half Sunday and didn’t have an offensive touchdown drive until their first possession of the third quarter. — Jeff Legwold
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Brandon McManus hits a 36-yard field goal with under 10 seconds to play to put the Broncos up 20-19.
Yes, 0-2 is ugly, but as down as the locker room was after the loss, there was also a strange sense of optimism because if the Raiders make one of at least 10 plays, they win the game. “We’re this close,” Derek Carr said. But offensive tackle Donald Penn pointed out, “That’s the difference between good teams and mediocre teams. Right now, we’re a mediocre team.” — Paul Gutierrez
