The striker, who was on a hat-trick following two first half goals two minutes apart from each other, missed a penalty after Tim Howard pulled Raheem Sterling down in the box and then showed his selfish streak when he tried to muscle his way to the net rather than set up the well placed Philippe Coutinho for what would have been a certain goal. At that point, Rodgers had saw enough.
“I apologise for my reaction,” the 24-year old told BT Sport following the final whistle. “I was disappointed by missing the penalty and felt I’d let myself down as well as the fans. The hat-trick would have been the icing on the cake and it’s unfortunate.”
With the hosts absolutely cruising, there was no reason to get in a huff, but emotions have been known to run high for the striker, and yesterday they got the better of him. “I was disappointed with myself” Sturridge continued. “It was nothing to do with the manager and I’d like to apologise for my reaction if anybody took any offence. It’s not about me, it’s about the boys and a great victory.”
The three points sends Liverpool four points clear of their closest rivals and consolidates their top four position leading into this weekends trip to the Hawthorns. With Sturridge scoring a brace to help seal the victory, it’s unlikely his little outburst is going to live long in the memory.
