Liverpool new boy Daniel Sturridge has stated the Reds' away performances against Arsenal and Manchester City last week proves why a Champions League berth is still not beyond their reach this season.

Brendan Rodgers' side are currently seventh in the Premier League table, nine points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur. The Merseyside outfit posted 2-2 draws at the Emirates and the Etihad in the Premier League last week, after scuppering their lead on both occasions.

Daniel Sturridge battles Arsenal's Per Mertesacker
Reuters

"We are gutted with the draw because I felt we deserved to win. In our last two games we have played against two great clubs and deserved to win both of the games. We have got two good results in fairness even though in mine and the lads' hearts we know we should have had six points, but we didn't lose so hats off to the boys for the character they showed," Sturrdige told the club Web site.

"We'll regroup and get ready for our next game against West Bromwich Albion, which is another massive game for us because they are also challenging for the top places. We are nine points off the top four so it's not a massive gap to try and recoup so hopefully we'll be able to do that - we believe we can," the City academy product stressed.

Sturrdige, who arrived at Anfield in January along with playmaker Philippe Coutinho from Inter Milan, has now scored four goals from six appearances for Liverpool. And with the Reds set to play top four rivals Chelsea and Spurs at home later in the season, the 23-year-old is confident of his team's chances.

"We have still got to play Chelsea and Tottenham at home and the other teams challenging have to play each other so hopefully we can win those home games and stamp our authority. When teams come to Anfield we need to show what we are all about," the England international pointed out.

Daniel Sturridge scores against Man City
Reuters

The striker, who opened the scoring against City with a sublime strike from outside the box, also said that he did not celebrate the goal as a mark of respect for the Citizens, who gave him his first break.

"I didn't celebrate because it was against my old club and they paved the way for my career and gave me my league debut. I respect the City fans, I respect the staff and I'm just thankful for the opportunity they gave me," Sturrdige added.