Daniel Sturridge said that he was happy to be back among the goals as a much-changed Liverpool side beat Tottenham 2-1 at Anfield to reach the quarterfinals of the EFL Cup.
Sturridge opened the scoring for the hosts nine minutes in before wasting two further first-half chances. The England forward miscued another opportunity from close range just after the break but slotted home his second goal on 64 minutes.
Georginio Wijnaldum almost settled the contest with a fine free kick, which was well saved by Michel Vorm, but Tottenham hit back from the spot.
Lucas Leiva was adjudged to have tripped Erik Lamela and Vincent Janssen stepped up to convert the penalty with 15 minutes left, but Liverpool -- losing finalists last term -- held on.
"We had a lot of chances, played good football, we deserved it in the end," Sturridge told Sky Sports. "When you have a lot of time one-vs-one, it's difficult if you think too much. The first one [goal] was instinctive.
"It's a nice feeling, I'm grateful for God for helping me through all the things I've gone through. I'm happy tonight."
Jurgen Klopp handed debuts to Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold, changing Liverpool's entire starting lineup in the process, and the manager was impressed by Sturridge's form.
"He did what he had to do," he said. "Daniel was brilliant, he could have scored three or four but he was really good. He showed it again."
Meanwhile, captain for the night Lucas believes Liverpool can go all the way.
"Last year we came very close, but we don't have any European [games] this year and hopefully we can win all three competitions," he said.
"It was very good experience for [the young players], and they will develop. I think the manager showed the trust that he has in the squad and I think it was the right decision."