Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Raheem Sterling for taking a penalty and scoring his 100th Premier League goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium.
Sterling’s goal was his fifth in their last eight games in all competitions and underlined the England international’s return to top form after falling out of favor with Guardiola earlier in the season.
Guardiola said Sterling, who had missed his previous three penalties, only took the penalty for the front-runners because their first picks were not on the pitch.
“Our best taker by far is Riyad Mahrez. He has shown how good he is under pressure, but he was not on the pitch,” Guardiola told reporters. “Ilkay Gundogan is another, but he is struggling with his back and has not performed well in the last two games.
“At that point they chose… Bernardo Silva is a good taker and Rodri could do it, but Raheem showed the personality to take it and score a goal and these are the values I value.”
Guardiola said he was impressed with Sterling, who turned 27 a few days ago, and also praised goalkeeper Ederson for taking his 100th out for the club in his 212th game.
“It’s a great number at Raheem’s age, 100 goals is a lot. Like Eddie’s 100 clean sheets, but congratulations to both and to the team,” added Guardiola.
“Players are always important, but sometimes they drop out. They have highs and lows. I’m unfair sometimes, they play well and I don’t play them, I have no excuse.
“Raheem has scored goals lately and is so committed and aggressive…he has been incredibly important over the years. But players have to perform every game.”
Read all the Latest News, Breaking News and Coronavirus News here.
