Liverpool's first sight of goal arrived after seven minutes following a swift counter from the home side, but Sturridge could only fire his effort high and wide of Fraser Forster's crossbar. Moments later, Forster was forced to deny Lucas from close range after the Brazilian had met a near-post corner.
Raheem Sterling was next to come close after 20 minutes, but his effort was straight at the Saints goalkeeper.
Sterling made no mistake after 23 minutes, however, converting past Forster following a through pass from Jordan Henderson.
Southampton's first real chance of the half came after 35 minutes, but Simon Mignolet managed to palm a sweeping free kick from James Ward-Prowse over the crossbar.
Morgan Schneiderlin also threatened for the away side in first-half stoppage time, but his effort was also pushed over the crossbar by Mignolet.
The away side made the brighter start to the second period, but struggled to create clear openings, while Sterling remained a threat for Liverpool and flashed an effort high of the crossbar after 54 minutes.
Southampton were level after 56 minutes, however, when Nathaniel Clyne placed one into the top corner from inside the box.
Steven Davis came close to sending the away side ahead just before the hour mark, but sent one high of the crossbar after Mignolet had flapped at another cross from Ward-Prowse.
Davis had another wonderful chance three minutes later, but sent his effort straight at Mignolet from close range.
Liverpool struggled for clear openings as the second period advanced, with Henderson firing one wide of the post before Rickie Lambert entered for his Premier League debut against his former side.
The home side rallied in the latter stages, however, and won it 10 minutes from time when Sturridge tapped home from close range following a header from Sterling.
Southampton had two glorious chances late on, but Schneiderlin hit the crossbar from close range before Shane Long headed the rebound wide of the post.
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