'Win more important than 20 goals'
Daniel Sturridge admits he was overjoyed to reach the 'special' milestone of 20 league goals – but insisted Liverpool's three points against Sunderland was the most important number of Wednesday night.
The striker fired early in the second half to add to Steven Gerrard's opener and help the Reds on their way to a 2-1 win.
In doing so, it meant for the first time since Ian St John and Roger Hunt, Liverpool had two strikers surpass the 20-league-goal mark, with Luis Suarez having helped himself to 28 strikes in the top flight this term.
Sturridge told the Liverpool Echo: "It's special but the success of the team is more important to me.
"It's not about myself. I'm just giving God the glory for all that's happening in my life and I'm thankful to God for giving me this opportunity.
"It was great to get the three points - that's the most important thing at this stage of the season.
"We just need to continue working hard as a team and keep getting the job done. We're all trying our best to do our jobs for the team."
Liverpool were forced to endure a nervy finale to the contest after Ki Sung-Yeung reduces the arrears late on.
However, Brendan Rodgers' side held on to make it seven straight wins in the Barclays Premier League and return to second in the table.
Sturridge reflected: "It wasn't easy. It never is when a team defends so deep and puts so many bodies behind the ball.
"But in the first half we were patient and we worked hard to break them down.
"Our back four defended really well. They were fantastic. You have to grind results out sometimes.
"You have to do the dirty things to get the result you want and we got there in the end."
Seven games now remain for Liverpool in the Premier League - but Sturridge claims he's not getting carried away by the Reds' form.
He concluded: "I don't get too excited. It's important to take each game as it comes.
"There are seven games to go and they will all be difficult. They will all be different in their own way.
"We can't worry about the opposition. We just need to worry about ourselves and try to play our football as best as we can."