Sterling: We had to dig out results

RAHEEM STERLING says Manchester City have shown their character by seizing control of the title race.

City are 10 points clear thanks to their record 18-game winning streak in all competitions and Sterling is proud of how they have recovered from their slow start when they won just three of their first eight Premier League games. “We had a difficult start to the season, it was something we’re not used to,” said the England star, the match-winner (above) as they triumphed 1-0 at Arsenal on Sunday. “We weren’t scoring as many goals as we’re used to and it’s a credit to the team that we started to dig results out. That’s the sign of a winning team that you have to dig results out.

“We’ve just got to focus on ourselves. We’re in control of our own destiny.” City look unstoppable but Sterling insists no one in their dressing room is getting carried away.

“Every year when you’re at Manchester City, that’s the target,” he said. “One of our aims is to try to win the Premier League title. It’s still early days and we still have massive games coming up but we keep our focus and go again.” Sterling’s fellow City striker Sergio Aguero is a Bosman target for Barcelona, Paris Saintgermain, Juventus and Inter Milan this summer. Aguero’s goal-laden 10 years at the Etihad could end in June when his contract expires and the Blues have yet to open talks over new terms.

City’s all-time leading scorer (left), with 256 goals, is free to speak to foreign clubs and it is understood he has received approaches from Barcelona, PSG, Juventus and Inter. At present, there are no concrete offers.

Oblak, Savic, Felipe, Hermoso, Llorente, Kondogbia, Koke, Saul, Lodi, Felix, Suarez

CHELSEA: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, James, Kante, Jorginho, Alonso, Mount, Abraham, Werner

REF: Felix Brych

TV: BT Sport 2,

KO 8pm