Daniel Sturridge analysis: Liverpool striker returns to action, but how did he perform against Norwich?

Daniel Sturridge made his long-awaited return to Liverpool's starting XI against Norwich having been out injured since April.

We tracked the England striker's involvement at Anfield.

CHANCES

Sturridge had one decent sight of goal in the 34th minute, opening his body and eyeing the top left corner. Everything looked good except the eventual trajectory, which was too kind to goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Drew some fire from the away end when he took a tumble in the penalty box but the referee was unmoved.

MOVEMENT

Started the game on the right, but traded places with central striker Christian Benteke on a couple of occasions as Liverpool looked for the best formula. Willing to drop deep to get on the ball but was more effective playing off the defender's shoulder.

LINK-UPS

Understandable given their lack of time together but his 45 minutes alongside Benteke were a classic of the 'odd couple' genre. Both strikers wanted different things from the Liverpool midfield and the pairing with substitute Danny Ings seemed much more balanced.

FITNESS

A first outing since early April was never likely to go the distance and Brendan Rodgers decided the 26-year-old had emptied the tank as soon as the Norwich equaliser hit the net in the 61st minute and replaced him with Adam Lallana.

TOUCH

Announced his return with a neat first-time lay-up off the instep, leading to an early penalty shout from James Milner.

Also cushioned a long-ball superbly before winning a dangerous free-kick, showing his footwork has not escaped him during his spell on the sidelines.

PA