Liverpool won a thrilling Champions League group stage encounter against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, beating the Ligue 1 champions 3-2 at Anfield after letting a two-goal lead slip.

Central to the win was the play of Daniel Sturridge, who was making his first start in the competition for the Reds – a shocking stat given how long he’s been at the club.

His goal opened the scoring, and he was a menace throughout.

Here’s a closer look at his performance.

KEY STATS

Goals – 1

Shots – 4

Shots on target – 2

Key Passes – 2

Passing Accuracy – 83%

Dribbles – 2

30-SECOND REPORT

This was a big moment for Sturridge, playing against high-class opposition on one of those traditional European nights at Anfield. He rose to the occasion, scoring a good goal to open the scoring and looking lively throughout as he led the line as a replacement for Roberto Firmino, left out of the XI due to injury.

The Englishman missed a couple of chances later in the game, including a point-blank header, but this was a polished performance nonetheless.

GOT RIGHT

Positioning – Like all good strikers, Sturridge was always in the right place in the right time. He found his way between the PSG centre-backs, getting space in the box to be a goal-scoring threat.

Movement – His runs pulled defenders out of position to his teammates’ benefit, as well. As is his wont, Sturridge often dropped deep, allowing Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah space to run into, while he pulled off wide quite often as well to exploit the spaces there.

Sturridge was a lively presence.

GOT WRONG

An old habit of Sturridge’s flared up again – there were times when he held onto the ball too long. It often leads to attacks slowing down as the defence has time to get back into position.

It works to his own detriment, as well, as on more than one occasion he was left with few options as his shooting angles were restricted and passing angles shut off entirely.

If his goalscoring form is truly back, Liverpool will just have to put up with this side of his game.

VERDICT

Making his first Champions League start for Liverpool, Sturridge marked the occasion with a vital goal that proved just how well his renaissance is going.

He should have had another, missing a point-blank header in the second half when it looked easier to score, but overall this was a display that justified the renewed faith Jurgen Klopp has in the English striker.

It looks like the Englishman is finally rediscovering his old form. If so, Liverpool are going to be that much more dangerous.

RATING – 7/10