Manchester City 2-1 Southampton: 5 Talking Points
Manchester City ran out 2-1 winners on the night over a battling Southampton side. Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were the goalscorers for the Citizens, while Romeu pulled a goal back for the Saints.
Celebrations are often indicative of how a team/club views success. And on Wednesday evening, Manchester City's celebrations just emphasizes the magnanimity of the emotions that Pep Guardiola has stirred up in the blue half of Manchester.
While there will be a lot written about the juggernaut side that Pep's team has become over the course of this season, this game was very tightly contested. That said, here are the 5 key talking points from the game:-
#5 Sterling's stock keeps rising
For the third game in a row, it was Sterling's goal that decided the fate of the game. The English winger has grown by leaps and bounds this season, and his tireless running is an indication of the confidence flowing through him now.
Sterling's energy has been infectious and it was on display once again as he ran his heart out. Moreover, the biggest improvement this season has been the manner of the runs, almost all of them have been threatening.
His jinks and turns, and the ability to make himself available for a pass, have been the biggest highlights this season. Hence, the plaudits that are being showered on him are well deserved.
Like Saturday, Sterling was once again there at the right place at the right time to take the pass from Kevin De Bruyne. As time stood still and De Bruyne was hacked down by a Southampton tackle, Sterling curled the ball into the far right corner, thus clinching a hard-earned win at the Etihad.