Sturridge inspired by the boss …

In just the few short months that AVB has been in charge at Stamford Bridge, he has given  young star Daniel Sturridge confidence to score.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Now back from his three-match ban, following his red card against old club  Manchester City whilst on loan at Bolton on the last game of the season.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

On Saturday Sturridge was preferred in attack to Fernando Torres against Sunderland, a move that paid off for AVB, after the youngster received a long pass from Raul Meireles before cheekily back-heeling the ball past Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Sturridge went on to tell the Chelsea’s official website: “The competition for places is very tough in the squad and the manager has shown huge faith in me to put me in the team after a three-game ban, because I’ve been training for the last five weeks, including the international break.                                                                                                                                                                                                

“It was a huge result to come away from Sunderland with three points. It’s a great stadium and their fans sing very loud.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

“Now we need to keep winning and put pressure on the Manchester clubs.”                                                                                                                                                                                                            

It was an excellent introduction to the league campaign for the young Englishman, last season’s loan move has seen him return a much better player, one who is likely to get the fans excited this season.                                                                                                                                                                  

By Scott Balaam

Twitter @thesehd11