Nights like Tuesday night were the reason for Raheem Sterling’s switch from Liverpool to Manchester city during the last transfer window. Sterling joined city amid the controversial circumstances with his proposed move but he has impressed his new coach with his performances as he helped his side win all five of their opening fixtures in the premier league this season. But he has come under five after missing two clear cut chances that would have won the game for them in their 2-1 defeat to last year’s Champions League finalist Juventus. He was eventually replaced later in the game by fellow summer signing Kevin de Bruyne.
On a night when city so desperately wanted to win as was seen by their attacking play, Raheem Sterling failed to deliver. He had two clear chances to dash the hopes of Juventus with his first coming just two minutes into the game after being played through by Fernandinho. But his low effort was saved brilliantly by veteran Italian goal keeper, Buffon. City later took the lead in the 57th minute through an own goal by Chiellini when Vincent Kompany’s header was deflected off the defender. Although the Juventus center-back was furious that the goal was allowed to stand because he felt he was fouled by Kompany. Raheem sterling had a chance to all but bury the game just three minutes later and again Buffon did well top deny him the goal. That would prove to be his last chance of the night as was replaced few minutes later. Juventus got back in the game through a wonderful goal by Mandzukic in the 70th minute and took the lead when Alvaro Morata’s left footed shot was too strong for Joe Hart to stop.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pelligrini speaking at the post match conference, refused to blame the defeat on Sterling stating that the though they controlled the game, they should have buried their chances. Manchester City still has 5 more games to play and they would be hoping to grab the points they need to qualify from those games.