‘Very important’: Onuoha and Sinclair issue honest verdicts on Manchester City man after last night

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Nedum Onuoha and Trevor Sinclair have issued honest verdicts on Raheem Sterling after the Manchester City winger scored his first goal since August to help beat Club Brugge.

Sterling has struggled to hold a key role in Pep Guardiola’s plans so far this season, despite earning consistent minutes. The 26-year-old has only started six of his 15 appearances in all competitions, including one in the Champions League and three in the Premier League.

Guardiola introduced Sterling off the bench at home to the Blauw-Zwart on Wednesday night as Manchester City won 4-1. Moving to within touching distance of securing a place in the last 16, after goals from Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez, Sterling and Gabriel Jesus.

Sterling met Ilkay Gundogan’s low cross to beat Simon Mignolet for only his second goal of the season. Netting for the first time since scoring against Norwich on August 21 during a 5-0 rout of the newly-promoted canaries.

Onuoha, who played for Manchester City between 2004 and 2012, felt it was important that Sterling scored against Club Brugge. Having been able to net from close range to end his drought. Telling BBC Radio 5 Live (3/11, 21:30):

“That’s a very important goal for Sterling. When he first came on, there was a chance where he could’ve taken a shot but someone took it off his foot, so that must’ve been frustrating. To be able to find that tap-in in the six-yard box must feel like home to him.”

Sterling ‘back’ after scoring in Manchester City win vs Club Brugge

Sinclair also offered his verdict on Sterling after scoring in Manchester City’s win over Club Brugge on Wednesday night. The ex-Citizens winger noted on Twitter: “Raheem’s back.”

Sterling will hope to get back to his best after helping Manchester City beat Club Brugge. His goal ended a 12-game drought in all competitions for the £300k-a-week forward, who has also only provided two assists. While also only starting one of the Etihad Stadium side’s last five Premier League fixtures, with Foden, Jesus and Jack Grealish often preferred.