Sturridge: Approach Stays The Same For Second Leg

If anything, Thursday night's 2-0 victory flattered the visitors. Other than a 10-15 minute period to start the second half, Liverpool were on the front foot and continually testing Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was not at his best, but still managed to create a few chances, and netted the opening goal with a coolly taken spot kick. The experience left the 26-year-old striker wanting more, and he believes the Reds will go to Old Trafford with the same attacking mindset as in the first leg.

"We'll approach the second leg exactly the same as we did the first leg. That's the only way we know," Sturridge said in an interview with The Echo. "The Liverpool way is to win games so we will go into the second leg and be positive. The confidence is there within the camp and we are just looking forward to every game. We are mentally prepared for every job we have ahead of us."

Hmm, he forgot to add a trademark after The Liverpool Way™. I hope he doesn't run into legal trouble.

Of course in European football the ability to keep a clean sheet at home is just as important as the margin of victory. As such, an away goal for Liverpool could see the Reds essentially double their lead in the second leg. This is easier said than done, and Sturridge recognizes that there's still a lot of football left to play.

"For the team's development it was great for us to win a game 2-0 against a top side. But as I said it is half a job. We have a big game again next week. We have to be mentally prepared for that one and get the job done there."

Despite Manchester United's struggles this season, I can't imagine the second leg being as easy as the first for Liverpool. That said, Van Gaal & Co. will have to find some solution to break Liverpool down, something they completely failed to do the first leg.