Sturridge: Chelsea can give more

Daniel Sturridge says Chelsea should have shown more cutting edge during their 1-1 draw against Birmingham in the FA Cup fifth round.

English Premier League side Chelsea had to come from behind against their Championship opponents in Saturday’s match at Stamford Bridge, and now face a tough replay at St Andrew’s.

After falling behind to David Murphy’s 20th-minute goal, the home side had a chance to reply, but Juan Mata saw his penalty pushed on to the post by Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

Chelsea improved in the second half and eventually salvaged a draw through Sturridge’s headed effort from Branislav Ivanovic’s cross.

It was England international Sturridge’s 11th goal of the season and he was quick to praise his team-mate Ivanovic for his assist.

“It was a fantastic team move and I think we can do that a lot more,” he told Chelsea TV.

“It was a great ball by Ivanovic and he has that in his locker, it just shows the quality he’s got.”

Chelsea have struggled to break down visiting teams at Stamford Bridge this season and Sturridge feels they should be more decisive in attack when they have the chance.

“I think it’s a lot to do with the timing of the cross and the movement of the players,” he said.

“A lot of the time, myself included, we were a bit hesitant to make the first run but today it has worked out well.”