Raheem Sterling’s performance vs Manchester City was reflective of his magnificent career

A defence that last conceded 4+ goals in over 1000 days and an opposing attack that last scored 4+ goals in back-to-back Premier league games since 2014/2015 season, it came as a huge shock to everyone in the world of football seeing a final result of a 4-4 enthralling draw at the Bridge.

With individual performances at the peak of high levels tonight, it is somewhat an Herculean task to pick a player to focus on but my pick is Raheem Sterling amongst the host of other valuable mentions (Cole Palmer, Cucurella, Gallagher and Reece James).

There is an “unwritten” theory of players performing at their optimum whenever they go against their former club and such theory was once again justified as Raheem Sterling seemed to derive additional motivation coming up against his former team in Manchester City.

Raheem’s talent is never in doubt but his inconsistency at the highest level leaves many who know his true capability infuriatingly frustrated at the England international.

His off-ball runs and movement in-behind defences make Raheem a huge threat when on song but his direct dribbling and ball manipulation in tight spaces were mostly on show tonight in what was a reminiscent of how good Sterling could be on his day.

Driving at and beating a defensive specimen like Kyle Walker (3 successful take ons) is no easy task but Sterling seemed to have Walker on the ropes and the City right back needed help from Rodri to stand even the slightest of chances against the rampaging Sterling.

As complete a performance anyone would find from a winger was what Sterling put on show as the Englishman worked his socks off the ball, showcasing his determination with 8 successful ball recoveries, 9 duels won and 3 fouls won in an utterly spirited performance by the former City player.

Heralded as the marquee signing when he was signed by the new ownership (First signing under Todd Era), performances like tonight are reasons many still regard Sterling as the “Go-to-man” for Pochettino’s Blue army.

It is with “heart-racing” hope and “fingers-crossed” prayers that everyone associated with Chelsea goes into the international break expecting that no key player returns injured and also for the momentum to continue after the 2 week international break.

A spirited performance and one that the owners and Pochettino will be putting forward in the future as factual evidence to believe in the project.