Fulham 1 Liverpool 3: James Pearce's judgement on Daniel Sturridge's hat-trick : Liverpool Echo.

Daniel Sturridge walked from Craven Cottage with the matchball signed by his team-mates in a single hand and a book inside other.

The title 'Clarity' ended up being fitting with Liverpool's hat-trick good guy having produced a performance which left no-one in different doubt about his superb talent.

Certainly, not the overworked Fulham backline have been tormented by the schedule, power and clinical finishing in the Reds' £12million striker.

Nor the home supporters who found recommended to their cost that berating in addition to goading Sturridge only spurs him up on greater heights.

As this travelling Kop chanted your partner's name repeatedly, this was the sort of afternoon the 23-year-old had dreamed of when he left the main city behind and headed for Merseyside in January.

Stuck over the fringes for so longer after being overlooked by a succession of managers for Chelsea, Sturridge craved an opportunity to play for someone who truly believed in his capability to lead the line.

Since being handed of which chance by Brendan Rodgers they have flourished. Eleven goals in 12 starts with a further three substitute appearances can be a remarkable start to a particular Anfield career.

It hasn't many been plain sailing. Right after initially flying out the blocks following his arrival, he hit a two-month unwelcoming spell when his criteria slipped and at 1 stage he was consigned to help you bench duty.

Questions were asked about whether Sturridge truly had the appetite and desire to take advantage of his undoubted ability.

Yet since he switched the contest after coming from the bench against his ex- club at Anfield very last month, the answers are generally emphatic. The extra pressure added on his shoulders from the absence of top scorer Luis Suarez has only served to extend his contribution.

Written by 'state associated with mind specialist' Jamie Good, the cover of 'Clarity' assures a 'clear mind, more desirable performance, bigger results' by using reduced stress levels, improved self-belief and increased output thrown in.

It appears to have done the cheat already with Sturridge, who took his position alongside Maxi Rodriguez and Billy Liddell in the exclusive list of Liverpool players to experience netted a league hat-trick with Fulham, providing the inspiration for the deserved triumph.

A year ago the Reds were limping for the finish line. This time around they are ending the campaign with a swagger which provides genuine a solution to next season.

Sturridge's treble, which came after Dimitar Berbatov had nodded Fulham in front, helped Rodgers' side set an alternative club record for away goals with the Premier League era.

Their tally of 38 on their travels is the Reds' best in a season since the 40 they plundered in the title-winning year of 1989/90.

Some sort of dominant second-half performance, when the outclassed Cottagers were regularly carved open, could and really should have secured a even more emphatic margin of victory.

But Rodgers will require comfort from the way his side performed with no skipper Steven Gerrard and Daniel Agger together with Suarez.

Jamie Carragher took the armband and the travelling Kop used the last away trip of the season to pay homage with the retiring centre-back's 16 several years of loyal service. The banner with the away end was concise – 'Carragher 23 Legend'.

For 45 minutes Carragher found himself positioned on the left of an unfamiliar three-man defence alongside Sebastian Coates together with Andre Wisdom after Martin Skrtel was ruled out due to illness.

It was only Coates' second league start of season and his initial taste of any action since the FA Cup defeat to help Oldham in January, while Wisdom hadn't started in the league for 3 months.

Stewart Downing operated as a left wing-back with Glen Johnson providing width in the right. However, Rodgers' experiment didn't last beyond half-time in the event the introduction of Jose Enrique to get Wisdom and reverting to your flat back four saw Liverpool win control.

Smoke bombs from that away end before kick-off positioned Pepe Reina lost around a red cloud but it mattered little as in a lifeless opening half hour he was mainly some spectator.

Sturridge's cross-shot was clawed away by Mark Schwarzer who then parried some sort of piledriver from Philippe Coutinho.

Fulham had barely threatened they broke the deadlock due to some shoddy marking inside 33rd minute. Sascha Riether had constantly he wanted to deliver a cross in the right and the full-back chosen Berbatov, who stole in the middle Carragher and Johnson to be able to nod home from around range.

The Reds' response was swift as within three minutes the pair were level. Jonjo Shelvey's corruption had initially left him or her exposed, but Wisdom made an important block and swiftly rotated defence into attack.

That young defender's long punt send was pounced on by way of Sturridge. His control was immediate and he turned off Aaron Hughes before rifling a great unstoppable finish past Schwarzer. That it was the ideal response to your home fans who jeered his every touch as a result of his Chelsea connections.

With Lucas Leiva pulling the strings in midfield together with Johnson a menacing threat down the appropriate, Liverpool turned the screw following your interval.

There were moments of concern with Coates, unsurprisingly given his not enough game time, looking gradual. Former Reds youngster Alex Kacaniklic journeyed close before Bryan Ruiz missed out past Coates and witnessed his cross hit Lucas on the arm from point-blank spectrum.

Pleas for a fine were waved away simply by Mark Halsey, who further incensed your hosts by ignoring Kacaniklic's claims for the free-kick after colliding by means of Coates as he burst in the centre.

Seconds later Gatwick counter-attacked to devastating influence. Coutinho's strike from the edge with the box deflected into the path of Sturridge who coolly slotted property. The Reds threatened to own riot. Twice, Sturridge was thwarted by Schwarzer before Shelvey spent a glorious chance for the back post.

Reina then demonstrated why Barcelona intend to prise him away from Anfield come july 1st as the keeper produced a marvelous save to somehow keep out Hughes' header from Ruiz's corner.

Fabio Borini replaced Shelvey along with the substitute produced an eye-catching late cameo, cutting in off this left to curl against the inside of the post. The points were eventually wrapped up five moments from time as Sturridge capitalised over the breathtaking vision and ability of Coutinho. The Brazilian's through ball was inch-perfect although Schwarzer rushed out, the striker dispatched superb lob into the useless net.

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Stoke City claim rare away win to leave QPR staring into the abyss - Observer

Harry Redknapp has opted to look on the bright side as result after result has gone against his side this season, but after this defeat the well of optimism had run dry. "Yeah, it looks it," said the QPR manager when asked whether this result put the final nail in their battle against relegation. "It's almost impossible now, for sure."

Aston Villa can provide the last rites for QPR with an unlikely win against Manchester United on Monday, but, for Rangers, it has long been a matter of when rather than if. In 2011, they stormed into the Premier League under Neil Warnock, with the Championship title in their back pocket. They will drop out a club warped by two years of on- and off-field largesse.

Here they were the better side for a good chunk of the first half before familiar failings took their toll. "It's disappointing," said Redknapp, before the glass-half-full state of mind returned, "but I've had other disappointments in the past and I'm sure I'll have them in the future."

With victory, Stoke City took a significant stride towards their own safety. Goals from Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters, from the penalty spot, stopped the rot and took them six points clear of the bottom three.

While QPR have had time to prepare for the inevitable, fear of the drop had seeped slowly upon Stoke with the bone-chilling creep of a horror film. This win – their second away from the Britannia Stadium all season – halted what was beginning to seem like an irrevocable slide with just enough time before the credits roll.

"It gives you a boost," said Stoke's assistant manager, Dave Kemp. "Confidence is a big thing in football. We haven't played that badly away from home, although our results don't suggest that. We've probably played better than that and got beat. It was important to get the win."

Redknapp shuffled his pack again in at an attempt to find a winning hand, with Rob Green, Shaun Derry and Tal Ben Haim making rare starts, though the rejigged lineup failed to remove the sense of perpetual defensive panic that pervades this team.

Stoke initially failed to test that fragility – one botched break apart – and the chances fell QPR's way. No Premier League team has conceded a greater percentage of goals from set pieces than Stoke this season, a statistic that must stick in Tony Pulis's craw so fundamental are they to his side's success, and they should have conceded another in the 17th minute, but Loïc Rémy failed to convert a header from Adel Taarabt's corner. Asmir Begovic then saved from Rémy and a José Bosingwa free-kick, but Stoke took the lead with a goal from a player who might have been lining up for the home side. Crouch tapped home from close range after fine work by Marc Wilson and Cameron Jerome.

"Peter's a good player, he's a player I've signed many times and I tried to bring him here in January," said Redknapp, who bought the striker at Portsmouth and Tottenham. "He's a good target, he holds the ball up, brings people into play, suits the way they play."

Ten minutes after the break, a superb run and shot from Rémy was met by an equally fine save from Begovic, but when Taarabt hobbled off a minute later, any attacking verve QPR possessed went with him. It was little surprise when Stoke doubled their lead. Robert Huth headed on to the post and Clint Hill was adjudged to have held Crouch as he made for the rebound. After being asked to retake because of encroachment, Walters tucked home the penalty.

That brought comfort to Stoke's lead, while the final whistle brought relief to the under-fire Pulis. "He's delighted," said Kemp. "We're in the winning business and we haven't won many games recently, so it affects him and everyone else at the club. That's the way it is, but he'll feel a lot better tonight."

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Murray retires along with back pain; Nadal gains all the perks in Rome.

THE CAPITAL (AP) — Back pain forced Andy Murray to be able to retire midway through his second-round match within the Italian Open on Friday. He may have to be able to sit out the The french language Open, too.

Rafael Nadal began his bid for the seventh Rome title as a result of cruising past local wish Fognini of Italy 6-1, 6-3 in exactly 61 minutes, and two-time couseling for champion Maria Sharapova eased beyond Spanish qualifier Garbine Muguruza 6-2, 6-2.

Subsequently, rising Polish player Jerzy Janowicz disappointed eighth-seeded Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 7-6 (5) next celebrated by ripping your partner's shirt apart, showing from his muscular physique.

Murray, who had been celebrating his 26th wedding, walked off the court after winning your second set against Spanish competitor Marcel Granollers.

Murray took a protracted injury break early inside the second set, getting his left thigh and small of the back massaged.

This tournament is often a key clay-court warm-up with regard to Roland Garros, the year's second Grand Slam, which will begin on May 26.

"I is very surprised if My partner and i was playing in Paris, " Murray said. "I need to manufacture a plan as to what I really do. I'll chat with the inventors tonight and make a plan for the next few days then choose something on Paris after the following five days.

Murray necessary the trainer while trailing 2-1 inside the second set. He then lost the following two games to trl 4-1 before battling into force a tiebreaker.

"I want to check it goes away, inches Murray added. "It's been a difficulty since the end of 2011 nevertheless it really got bad during last year's clay season. inch

Gulbis routed Viktor Troicki involving Serbia 6-1, 6-1. Early within the second set during an argument over a line call while using the chair umpire, Troicki dragged a cameraman out on top of the court to capture the ball mark.

Sharapova now meets 16th-seeded Sloane Stephens of north america, who rallied past Kiki Bertens for the Netherlands 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

"She's been climbing on the rankings, " Sharapova said. "I haven't played against her in a while. I'm excited that matchup. "

Earlier, a 24th-ranked Janowicz improved their record against top-10 opponents to 3-5, having closed a year ago by reaching the Paris Masters final being qualifier, beating Murray and Janko Tipsarevic in the process. The 22-year-old Janowicz is one of only five players under the age of 24 in the best 40.

After beating Tsonga with a forehand passing shot in the line on match stage, Janowicz tore his t shirt into pieces and tossed it on the crowd.

"I was certainly happy, especially because I didn't get off to an excellent start to the season along with I was sick, inch said Janowicz, who has been bothered by ear, nostrils and throat infections. "Now I am healthy. "

Last week's Madrid Open runner-up Stanislas Wawrinka withdrew prior to when his match against Alexander Dolgopolov which has a right leg injury. Dolgopolov definitely will next face top-ranked Novak Djokovic.

Inside of a rough day for seeded competitors, Jeremy Chardy of France upset No. 16 Kei Nishikori from Japan 6-4, 6-1.

With the women's tournament, last year's runner-up Li Na whip fellow Chinese player Zheng Jie 6-3, 6-1; seventh-seeded Sara Errani battled past Christina McHale of north america 7-5, 5-7, 6-2; and 12th-seeded Maria Kirilenko removed Varvara Lepchenko of north america 6-3, 6-1.

Also, 13th-seeded Roberta Vinci beat wild card and many other Italian Nastassja Burnett 6-1, 6-4; 14th-seeded Dominika Cibulkova rallied past Melanie Oudin of the u . s 5-7, 6-1, 6-3; and additionally two-time champion Jelena Jankovic sent fellow Serb Bojana Jovanovski 6-2, 6-0.

Rafael Nadal's Harrowing Acquire vs. Gulbis Will Preclude Decrease to Novak Djokovic.

Rafael Nadal was rolling right along in 2013 before he fulfilled world No. 46 Ernests Gulbis on Thursday within the third round of that Rome Masters.

Sure, the proven fact that Nadal lost the earliest set against Gulbis on Thursday before battling back down the stretch doesn't easily project gloom and bad. But this has more regarding Djokovic's form lately as opposed to Nadal's.

Keep in mind, Djokovic was coming off an automobile accident when he lost to Grigor Dimitrov within the second round of this Madrid Open. It's no excuse for his loss against Dimitrov; it's more associated with explanation.

Since his bye within the first round of this Rome Masters, Djokovic has roared back in convincing fashion, even if many experts have against lesser foes. After going down in the first establish to Albert Montanes in the second round, 2-1, he won 11 with the next 13 games. And it fell beat Alexandr Dolgopolov with the third round, 6-1, 6-4.

Inside the win over Dolgopolov, Djokovic claimed 73 percent of service points, via ATPWorldTour. com. The Serb also saved some of three break ideas.

Djokovic's rise in 2011 is at large part because of much-improved serving game, overshadowed just by his dominant return performance. He ranked 23rd on tour in service games won (percentage) this year, via ATPWorldTour. com. He ranked seventh inside department in 2011. He ranked sixth in 2012. Headed into the Rome Masters, he ranked sixth operating games won this yr.

Nadal lost on clay-based in Monte Carlo against Djokovic the year 2010, proving that the edge he once had on the outside isn't as prominent.

Inside the quarterfinals of the 2013 Ancient rome Masters, I expect Nadal to help beat David Ferrer, and I expect Djokovic to help beat Tomas Berdych, configuring a semifinals clash relating to the two historic players.

Inside semifinals, expect Djokovic so that you can defeat the reigning champion in Rome, avenging his loss within the final last year.

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Metta World Peace Says Golden State Warriors a 'Pinky Digital Away' from Contending.

Metta Society Peace chimed in to the Golden State Warriors' striking playoff run as sole he could, mixing metaphors, incorporating a language that only he could possibly understand and, beneath all this, hitting on a kernel of truth.

After the Dubs fell to the San Antonio Spurs within Game 6, MWP hit Twitter with a pair of gems. First, he gave his Pacific Division rivals a good endorsement, highlighting just how near Golden State may be to reaching the so next level in its enhancement.

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Free of cost Agents the Charlotte Bobcats Need to Avoid.

Every team that signs Tim Bynum this offseason can be taking a big probability. With that risk, still, a team will be acquiring one of the few true centers in the NBA.

The risk isn't just with his suspect leg, which is a huge concern, but it is usually with his attitude. He often sulked during his time while using Los Angeles Lakers together with was never fully invested in playing with the Philadelphia 76ers regarding who the winner.

All that being said, Bynum can be a good dominant player and will be probably the most coveted players this offseason. Although it may feel like he has been around for many years, he is only 25 years old and just entering a prime of his position.

During the 2011-12 season—his previous full season of play—Bynum was starting out hit his stride. They averaged 18. 7 points, 11. 8 rebounds and nearly two blocks a game.

After Bynum's acrimonious departure from Los angeles and his subsequent harm problems in Philadelphia, people have forgotten what type of player Bynum is—a youthful center just entering their prime with the potential becoming a dominant force in this NBA.

If he can get into the right position, Bynum can excel, but Charlotte is not the right situation. The Bobcats are searching to establish an identity and change the course of the franchise. Bynum is a superb player, but his attitude is not the right fit for the Bobcats now.

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Jake Gill 'confident' Wayne Rooney will continue to be at Manchester United : The Independent.

Donald Gill, the outgoing Manchester United chief executive, says he is "confident" that Wayne Rooney will remain at the club.

The England international required a transfer earlier the following month, however, that get was rejected. Despite a change of manager since next, United's position has not really altered, with Gill saying that Manchester United plan to keep the 27-year-old with the club.

"I think like Alex said at their last press conference, that's a problem for David Moyes as well as the new team to complete, but look - I will be confident he'll be at this time there next season, " this individual told Sky Sports.

Rooney's request came among frustration at being played from position and being substituted by Sir Alex Ferguson. That it was understood that Rooney would communicate with new manager David Moyes before taking any more action. Gill today confirmed that had been the case.

"I'm sure just of work is becoming taken with Wayne, your partner's advisors and David and Ed [Woodward, Gill's replacement] etc to ensure that happens.

"I'm not some betting man, but I'm confident while i sit in Old Trafford next season Soon we will be seeing Wayne Rooney functioning out. "

Rooney's request was your second time the former Everton person had asked to go away Old Trafford. His request truly led to him putting your signature on a five-year £250, 000-a-week deal.