An evening packed full of Premier League action, as ever, didn’t fail to disappoint as Liverpool, Manchester United and West Ham continued their decent enough runs of form.
The Reds particularly impressed this evening by mauling their miserable Mersey rivals Everton 4-0 in preparation for their Europa League clash with Villarreal on the near horizon.
As awful a season it was been for Louis van Gaal over at Old Trafford, a fairly routine win over Crystal Palace put them to within a single point of the top four as they gear up for an FA Cup semi-final with the Toffees.
On tonight’s evidence, they have little to fear.
Elsewhere, West Ham stopped their run of four consecutive draws by recording a 3-1 win over Watford to continue what has been a remarkable season under Slaven Bilic.
The top four may be just out of reach for the Hammers, though the future is brighter than ever as the Upton Park era draws to a close.
So, what else did we learn from tonight’s action?
Well, here’s three things in particular.
Sturridge Up for the Fight
Much has been made of the fact Daniel Sturridge has lost his place in the starting lineup under Jurgen Klopp.
The England international started on the bench and was only introduced when teammate Divock Origi was forced off with an ankle injury.
However, for a man who has spent so much time on the sidelines, he certainly looked up for the fight.
He was excellent when he came on, scoring once after an exceptional first touch which he made look routine.
All evening after his introduction, the 26-year old looked sharp and dangerous.
He will not meekly surrender his mantle as England’s best centre-forward despite the emergence of Harry Kane it seems.
Man United can still finish in the top four
Amazing really that Manchester United have kept the pace in the race for the Champions League.
It’s been a nightmare season, though they are grinding out results without particularly playing well in the slightest.
Their win over Crystal Palace was barely much to shout about, but with Arsenal seemingly crumbling, Louis van Gaal can still somehow land entry to the continent’s top competition.
The return of Wayne Rooney is a welcome, giving the Red Devils once of the most varied attacks in the league when paired with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Carroll will push all the way
We’ve waxed lyrical about the majestic ability of Daniel Sturridge that appears to come to him with such ease.
However, Andy Carroll is another forward who will not give up on the Euro 2016 dream.
The towering striker now has five goals in his last three games and is truly emerging as a viable option for the Three Lions if they wish to draft something different into their squad.
A well taken finish to control dipping a ball proved the ex-Liverpool is not just a heading merchant and can ever differ his game up.
