Manchester City frustrated not to tie up league at weekend: Sterling

Raheem Sterling admitted Manchester City were frustrated not to get the Premier League title wrapped up on the field on Saturday.

City missed their first opportunity to seal the crown as Chelsea came from behind to win 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Sterling had put the leaders on course for the victory that would have secured a third title in four years but Sergio Aguero then fluffed a penalty before half-time.

Chelsea hit back after the break with Hakim Ziyech levelling and Marcos Alonso grabbing a winner in injury time.

England forward Sterling said: “We were in a great position.

“It was a day to get it over the line and sadly we couldn’t.

“We had chances to finish the game off, we didn’t and got punished.

“It is a frustrating one to take but we have still got three games to go and hopefully we’ll make it right in the next couple of weeks.”

Aguero’s missed penalty was the main talking point after the game.

The Argentinian attempted to beat Edouard Mendy with a Panenka-style kick but the Chelsea keeper was not fooled and stood up to make a comfortable save with one hand.

Aguero, City’s record goalscorer, later said sorry on Twitter.

“I would like to apologise to my teammates, staff and supporters for missing the penalty,” the striker wrote.

“It was a bad decision and I take full responsibility.”

The error proved a lifeline for FA Cup finalists Chelsea, who were much stronger in the second period.

“It kept them in the game and they won it late on,” Sterling said.

It was not the only penalty drama, however, with Sterling believing he was denied a spot-kick shortly before Alonso’s winner after falling under a challenge from Kurt Zouma.

“For me I couldn’t get a shot off,” Sterling said.

“I don’t know how it is not a penalty or has not been reviewed properly.”

The sides meet again in the Champions League final in three weeks’ time.