Sturridge: Liverpool have proved we can cope without Suarez

The England international believes the Reds are a far stronger outfit this season despite the departure of last season's top scorer to Barcelona

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says his side have proved they can cope without striker Luis Suarez after beating Southampton 2-1 at Anfield in their opening Premier League game of the new season.

Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for the Reds before Nathaniel Clyne equalised for the visitors but Sturridge netted the winner from close range in the 79th minute to hand Brendan Rodgers' side all three points.

Speaking after the game Sturridge admitted he was under pressure to provide Liverpool's goals this season, following the departure of Suarez to Barcelona, but that he was looking forward to the challenge.

"There's pressure on myself to get the goals now. With Luis [Suarez] out the team and of course he scored 30 odds goals last season," he told Sky Sports.

"It's important for me and the other lads to step up and Raheem showed today that he's got a cool head and he can finish. 

"I'm glad that he's continuing the scoring into the season. He's improving all the time. It's important as a collective unit we all provide the goals."

The Reds handed debuts to Dejan Lovren and Javier Manquillo while Rickie Lambert also appeared as a substitute and Sturridge says Liverpool are a far stronger squad than the one that finished season last season.

"I think so [Liverpool have improved from last season]. With the players the manager's brought in, no disrespect to Luis, he's a great player and he will be missed, but we move on from that now," he added.

"We've shown today we can win games, we can score goals and we defended well. With Raheem and other players producing we'll be okay this season."

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Manolas undergoes Arsenal medical

Arsene Wenger is close to securing a deal for the Greece international, who has also attracted interest from Juventus this summer


Olympiakos centre-back Kostas Manolas is undergoing a medical at Arsenal ahead of a move to the Gunners, Goal understands.

Manolas has attracted interest from Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who is targeting a central defensive signing before the transfer window closes following the sale of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.

As reported by Goal, the Gunners opened talks with Olympiakos over a move for the defender earlier in August.

Arsenal are understood to have been quoted a transfer fee of £8 million for the centre-back.

Manolas is also wanted by Juventus, but the north London side appear to have moved ahead of the Italian club in the race to sign the Greece international.

Wenger confirmed earlier this month that Arsenal were in the market for a centre-back despite the £16m signing of Calum Chambers, who featured alongside Laurent Koscielny in the absence of Per Mertesacker in the 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

“Vermaelen behaved outstandingly last year - I am grateful for him and I wish him very well,” Wenger said.

“If I can find another centre-back I will do it."

Mertesacker, meanwhile, has signed a new long term contract at Arsenal.

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