'It was more than just a tap in'
It may have been deemed a 'tap in' to the untrained eye, but Daniel Sturridge's Old Trafford strike demonstrated why he can prove a huge success at Liverpool, according to one of the club's greatest ever goalscorers.
The 23-year-old made a huge impact after coming off the bench at half-time against Manchester United - and his 57th minute effort gave the Reds genuine hope of salvaging a point when he reacted quickest to slot home after David De Gea could only parry Steven Gerrard's drive.
In addition to his goal, Sturridge linked up encouragingly with fellow forward Luis Suarez - and John Aldridge has been buoyed by our new No.15's early showings.
He wrote in his column in the Liverpool Echo: "I've said from the word go that I think he will be a good signing for Liverpool, and nothing I've seen so far has changed that opinion.
"I was delighted with the goal he got. As a former striker, who scored goal after goal in that manner, it was great to see that movement and instinct from a young player.
"How many times in recent seasons have we seen shots like that bounce off the 'keeper or off the post and go to safety? Not with Sturridge. He was on it in a flash, twice as quick as Rafael, and Liverpool need that kind of sharpness and smartness around the penalty area.
"What was also encouraging for me was the way in which Sturridge and Suarez combined. It is early days, but there seemed to be a bit of a wavelength already. Suarez dropped deeper and got more of the ball, which he likes, and Sturridge took up some great positions in and around the box.
"When you've got Steven Gerrard behind those two, firing passes into their feet, you've got a real potent blend there. I'll be interested to see how that pans out, but the early signs are all encouraging, even if Daniel will rue that late chance he missed on his weaker right foot."