Sterling cashes in with first hat-trick
TWO weeks is a long time in football. Raheem Sterling, embarrassingly replaced at half-time when Manchester City last played before the international break, redeemed himself in spectacular fashion with his first professional hat-trick yesterday.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini said: ‘He must improve, he is improving and I am sure this season he will score more goals than any other season he has played.’
It is true Bournemouth were already carrying a lengthy injury-list before goalkeeper Adam Federici was drafted into the starting line-up when Artur Boruc was injured in the warm-up.
Sterling was deservedly given a standing ovation when replaced by Pellegrini with 13 minutes left — an astounding turnaround from his last club appearance against Newcastle when he was replaced after 45 minutes.
The City boss said: ‘He didn’t lose confidence after being taken off in the last game. I spoke to him immediately after that game, he didn’t play well.’
Sterling was delighted, saying: ‘I like to go out with a free mind and play my game. I definitely work on my finishing.
‘I get quite a lot of chances and it’s something I will keep working on.’
Wilfried Bony’s two goals will boost him as he tries to fill Sergio Aguero’s boots for the next month. The Argentine is ruled out with a hamstring injury, having scored five against Newcastle last time out.
Federici looked shellshocked by his late call and conceded twice in the opening 11 minutes.
First, Pablo Zabaleta’s cross was diverted by ex-City defender Sylvain Distin into Sterling’s path and he converted from close range.
Then Federici dropped a regulation cross from Bacary Sagna at the feet of Bony, who accepted the gift to make it 2-0.
Bournemouth hit back with a goal of their own. Eunan O’Kane fed Glenn Murray and he finished with the outside of his right boot from 18 yards.
Sterling netted twice more before the interval, completing his hat-trick, and Bony rounded off the scoring in the final minute.