Sterling’s Hat-Trick Invigorates Manchester City’s Campaign for League Title
Oviri Kelvin
Manchester City has extended their lead on the Premier League table to 12 points after seeing off Norwich 4-0 at Carrow Road.
Manchester City who rested some of its key players for the Champions League match with Sporting on Tuesday fielded the likes of Raheem Sterling who was on the rampage while scoring a hat-trick in the four goals recorded for City.
One of the main priorities of Pep Guardiola is to win the Champions League and this made him rotate the squad ahead of the Tuesday clash against Sporting. Despite its campaign for the European clubs’ most coveted trophy, City is on course to win their fourth Premier League title in the last five years.
After Sterling had curled a superb strike in the 31 minutes of play, Phil Foden doubled the score 3 minutes into the second half to extend the lead. In the 70th minute, Sterling converted Ruben Dias’ headed pass into a goal.
Raheem Sterlings finally got a hat-trick in the 90th minute after Ben Gibson brought down Delap Liam.
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Sterling’s penalty was first saved by Angus Gunn but the rebound was a perfect opportunity for him to complete his hat-trick when he struck the ball past the goalkeeper.
However, City’s coach acknowledged that Sterling has improved in the game having been inconsistent to retain his place in the team.
According to Guardiola, the first goal was phenomenal, noting that Manchester City’s forward was stunning in the game.
“For his confidence, it will be massive,” said Guardiola of Sterling, who has struggled at times this season to hold down his place in the team.
“The first goal is brilliant. When Raheem executes without thinking he is excellent.”
With a commanding 15-game unbeaten run, City sits at a comfortable position away from Liverpool who trails from behind and has two games at hand.
