HE’S HIT AND MISS
... but Pep’s superstars rally round Raheem
No kiss for the miss this time. Pep Guardiola threw his arms in exasperation and with a degree of acceptance as Raheem sterling bundled the ball wide from three yards.
Manchester City were leading, dominating but failing to capitalise, and Guardiola knew the tide was turning in Burnley’s favour with 19 minutes to go.
sterling was trudging off within three minutes of skewing wide with the goal gaping, replaced by teenager Brahim Diaz. A home equaliser courtesy of Johann Berg Gudmundsson would follow.
Guardiola showed sterling compassion after a big miss against West Bromwich in the week, beckoning him to the touchline and embracing the winger with a smacker to the cheek.
There was none of that here and the player’s reaction after the ball rolled wide — throwing himself to the floor — was one of a man sick of this stuttering run.
sterling has not scored a league goal for a month now and these have been frustrating weeks. Those records can prey on the mind and that is true in this case. ‘i’ve missed so many chances (this season),’ he said before the game. ‘i try to improve on it every day. i want to get better and help win crucial matches.
‘if i miss a chance, don’t speak to me. i always try to improve. i’m a