WHILE the English League Cup lacks prestige, it still provides a platform in the early rounds for out-of-favor players or those lacking in confidence to make an impact. Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did just that Tuesday.

    Both scored twice to secure passage for their youthful teams into the quarterfinals, with Liverpool beating Tottenham 2-1 and Arsenal eliminating second-tier club Reading 2-0.

    Sturridge, who has failed to score in seven Premier League matches this season, has only found joy in front of goal in England’s second-tier knockout competition when top-flight typically deploy weaker teams. He also scored twice in August in the League Cup — his last Liverpool goals.

    The 27-year-old Sturridge has been on the bench for three of his seven league games this season, but he was one of the most experienced Liverpool players to start against Tottenham at Anfield.

    After firing into the roof of the net from Marko Grujic’s cross in the ninth minute, the England striker tucked the ball under Tottenham goalkeeper Michel Vorm in the second half.

    “That is Daniel’s talent, his strength,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. “He is a finisher, a really good striker.”

    (SD-Agencies)