The England international began life after Luis Suarez in impressive fashion as Brendan Rodgers’ men opened the new season with a win over Ronald Koeman’s men

Daniel Sturridge was the hero as Liverpool overcame a spirited Southampton to begin their Premier League campaign with a hard-earned three points at Anfield.

Leading the line in a competitive match for the first time since Luis Suarez’s summer move to Barcelona, Sturridge glanced Raheem Sterling’s header beyond Fraser Forster on 79 minutes.

Sterling had earlier given Liverpool the lead when he raced onto a superb Jordan Henderson pass on 23 minutes, but the new-look Saints levelled through a brilliant Nathaniel Clyne strike before Sturridge settled matters.

More to follow…