Daniel Sturridge bemoans Chelsea’s lack of cutting edge after FA Cup draw with Birmingham

Daniel Sturridge admits that Chelsea should have exhibited more cutting edge in their FA Cup fifth-round tie against Birmingham.
The Premier League side had to come from behind to claim a draw against their Championship opponents 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 quickly reply but Juan Mata saw his penalty pushed on to the post by keeper Colin Doyle.

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

It was the England international’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 after the game.

“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 teams down at Stamford Bridge this season and the 22-year-old feels that 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 continued.

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