A Moment of Forgetfulness
Daniel Sturridge, the former England and Liverpool star, found himself wishing he could hit a rewind button after making a notable blunder during Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday show. Sturridge, who has become a popular and entertaining pundit, was one of the commentators as his old team faced City in a crucial Premier League clash. The match saw Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai score in the first half, giving Liverpool a commanding 11-point lead over Arsenal. Despite the obvious excitement and tension, Sturridge’s moment of misstep drew attention from fans and fellow pundits alike.
The Blunder
During the half-time break, presenter David Jones asked Sturridge if he could see Manchester City mounting a comeback. In a moment of forgetfulness, Sturridge suggested that City might bring on Erling Haaland. "They’ve been prying away and giving themselves opportunities," Sturridge explained. "But when they’re getting crosses in the box, there’s not that presence in the box to get on the end of it. So, we might end up seeing Haaland at some stage in the game." This comment was particularly out of place because Haaland had been excluded from the squad due to a knee injury, a significant story that had been widely reported before the match. Jones swiftly corrected Sturridge, saying, "Not today because he’s, of course, missing. But maybe there might be one or two options they can turn to."
Fan Reaction
The moment was awkward and quickly noticed by viewers. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with reactions. Some fans were harsh, with one user commenting, "Cracking piece of punditry by Daniel Sturridge. Sky Sports has fallen off a cliff." Another wrote, "Sturridge with a shocker from that Haaland shout. Still rate him as a pundit though." However, not everyone was critical. Many supporters defended Sturridge, recognizing that even experienced pundits can make mistakes. One fan said, "Sturridge is genuinely excellent in his analysis and adds character and personality to it. He made a mistake. Who cares?" Another chimed in, "Every pundit has made a mistake tbf." The mixed reactions highlighted the understandable slip-up and the broader appreciation for Sturridge’s contributions.
The Match Context
Liverpool’s victory over Manchester City was a significant one, moving them 11 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League. The goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai early in the first half were crucial in securing the win. Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, both respected former players and current pundits, declared the title race effectively over, emphasizing Liverpool’s dominant performance and strategic edge. Despite the slip-up, the match was a thrilling display of football, and Sturridge’s usual insight and humor were evident throughout his commentary.
Supporting a Fellow Pundit
Later in the show, Sturridge received praise for his defense of Micah Richards. The conversation turned to the Africa Cup of Nations, and Carragher suggested that it was not a "major tournament." This comment was particularly pointed, as it addressed the often overlooked importance of the AFCON in the global football landscape. Sturridge, who has a deep understanding of the game and a strong sense of fairness, firmly disagreed. "It’s a fact. It’s a fact. It’s a fact," he said. "If you win the Euros or Copa America it’s deemed to be big so the AFCON is on the same level." This moment demonstrated Sturridge’s ability to stand up for his colleagues and his commitment to fair and inclusive commentary.
A Growing Pundit
Sturridge’s transition from player to pundit has been a smooth and enjoyable one for many viewers. His candid and humorous style brings a fresh perspective to the often serious and analytical world of football commentary. While he may have made a mistake by suggesting Haaland could come on, it’s a testament to his overall performance that many fans were quick to forgive and even praise him. As the Premier League continues to captivate audiences around the globe, Sturridge’s contributions to Sky Sports’ coverage are valued for their authenticity and insight. His ability to humanize the game and connect with viewers is a rare and valuable trait, making him a welcome addition to the punditry team.
