Pep hails ‘Special’ Sterling

RAHEEM STERLING kicked off his season in style with a sensational hat-trick.

The forward went past his half-century of Premier League goals for Man City in the 5-0 win, burying a one- on- one chance similar to the big opportunity he missed against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

‘I know his special qualities,’ said Guardiola. ‘ Consistency, physicality and finishing. The third goal was really good, much better than the one-against-one against Liverpool. He learned from that.’

Sterling became the eighth player to score a hat-trick on the opening weekend of a Premier League season, joining Mick Quinn, Matt Le Tissier, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Kevin Campbell, Dion Dublin, Gaby Agbonlahor and Didier Drogba.

How Sterling has improved in front of goal for City

First 66 PL games: 14 goals Last 66 PL games: 37 goals Sterling’s second goal was his 50th in the Premier League for Man City. He’s the sixth player and fourth-quickest to 50.