For the second time, in six days, Raheem Sterling proved an invaluable player for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, scoring a winner at AFC Bournemouth deep in stoppage time.
This time however, his exuberance after the goal that shot City to the league zenith, earned him a red card from referee Mike Dean. He had danced to the City supporters corner, almost igniting some chaos at the Vitality Stadium.
It was a hard won, but deserved victory for Man City, after dominating proceedings especially in the second half, logging 66-34 overall possession. City also had eight shots on target to Bournemouth’s three.
Charlie Daniels had opened scoring for the hosts on 13th minute. But Gabriel Jesus equalised for City eight minutes after. The second half was remarkable for the temperament of the players with 10 yellow cards issued before Sterling’s second one that bundled him out of the field after his heroic efforts of giving City the maximum points they needed to top the league table.
It was also Sterling that saved City in earning a draw against Everton last week by equalising late in the match.