Pep Guardiola spoke of his admiration for Raheem Sterling, as the winger continued his excellent form, coming off the bench to score with his first touch against Everton.

Pep Guardiola spoke of his admiration for Raheem Sterling, as the winger continued his excellent form, coming off the bench to score with his first touch against Everton.

Since the start of last season, Sterling has been directly involved in 27 goals in 22 PL home matches, with 18 strikes and nine assists, and the Catalan manager praised his forward’s maturity amidst a challenging few weeks off the pitch.

“Raheem - when he has no time to think in front of goal - he’s always good,” Guardiola told press.

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“The cross was amazing from Fernandinho and it was a great finish. We are not the tallest team in the world but after just a few minutes, it was an important goal for him and everyone. 

“I see him so calm. I think he has handled the last years in many situations and rumours - not nice things about him or his family or the colour of his skin. I admire him and appreciate that it’s not easy for him.

“He’s loved by all staff and in the locker room.”

Hear more from Pep in the video above...