Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge netted a vital goal in his side's FA Cup fifth round victory over Crystal Palace in a game he believes the Reds deserved to win.
After a low-key start, Fraizer Campbell handed Alan Pardew's men the lead despite having seen little of the ball when Simon Mignolet could only direct his clearance straight to the forward's feet.
Liverpool were frustrated, going into the break behind despite clearly having had more possession and more opportunities on goal. But after half-time, Mario Balotelli's introduction changed the game, as Jordan Henderson's cross picked out Sturridge for a predatory left-footed volley through the legs of Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni.
Nine minutes later, Speroni couldn't gather Balotelli's powerful free-kick and substitute Adam Lallana was quickest to react, steering the ball into the bottom corner.
The Reds held on to win 2-1 and secure a place in the last eight of the competition.
"It was a difficult first half when they got the goal," Sturridge told BT Sport after the game. "We showed the character that we always do when we go behind, to keep fighting. In the end, we deserved to win.
"It's good to help the team, that's all that matters. I'm happy to be back playing and back from the injury," Said Sturridge - who started his second successive game as he works towards full fitness after five months out injured. "Every game for us is a big game and we have to concentrate on each game."