Liverpool 4 Everton 0: Luis Suarez was 'fuming' admits Daniel Sturridge - but his reaction was understandable

Sturridge struck his penalty over the bar and spurned another chance for his hat-trick when Suarez was in a better position to score

Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool reacts after missing a penalty (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge apologised to his team-mates in the wake of the 4-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton for his reaction to his penalty miss and substitution, even though his two goals were crucial in the crushing triumph over their fierce rivals.

The England international scored twice in two minutes to take the match out of the Toffees grasp after a Steven Gerrard opener, but when his club and country captain handed over the spot-kick responsibility in order to secure his hat-trick, Sturridge missed the target as he sent the ball over the crossbar instead.

The striker continued to push for a third, spurning a chance when his partner-in-crime Luis Suarez was in a much better position to score, and he was hauled off in the second half by manager Brendan Rodgers.

“Luis was obviously fuming - I think everyone was fuming with me and I was fuming with myself,” Sturridge admitted.

“I am disappointed not to score a hat-trick but at the same time, we won 4-0 at home against Everton and I can't be too hard on myself.

“Sometimes you score, sometimes you get a hat-trick, sometimes you don't and it wasn't the night for me.

“You could see I was disappointed with missing a penalty at the Kop end but it was more important we won the game and everyone was happy - it was fantastic for the boys and for the fans.”

The 24-year-old is enjoying life at Anfield since securing his move from Chelsea last January, and despite claims from former Reds’ favourite John Barnes that he and Suarez will never be a classic partnership, the pair have already notched 39 goals in all competitions this season.

“The love I have for this club grows each day and I want to thank the fans for the way they have embraced me,” Sturridge admitted.

“The boys give me the licence to do what I do, we work tirelessly as a unit and that is what it is all about - just being out there as a team and enjoying every moment as a team.

“There are 15 games to go and we'll take every game as it comes and work hard as a team and see where we are at the end of the season.”

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