Pep Guardiola hails ‘fantastic’ Raheem Sterling’s self-belief after last-gasp Southampton winner

City’s quest for a 12th successive league victory seemed over before the England winger struck deep into injury-time

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrates after Raheem Sterling scores their late winner. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:06am, 30 Nov 2017Updated: 9:08pm, 30 Nov 2017

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola highlighted Raheem Sterling’s growing self-belief after his remarkable run of late goals continued with a superb stoppage-time winner in the 2-1 victory over Southampton.

City’s quest for a 12th successive Premier League victory seemed to be over when Oriel Romeu’s 75th-minute equaliser for the Saints cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne’s goal early in the second half at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

But in sixth minute of added time Sterling curled a brilliant shot into the top right-hand corner, sparking delirious scenes among City’s fans, with Guardiola running onto the pitch in celebration.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling celebrates scoring their winning goal. Photo: Reuters

City’s last three victories have all been courtesy of late strikes from 22-year-old, who scored in the 88th minute against Feyenoord last week, the 84th against Huddersfield Town before his winner in the dying seconds against Southampton.

“Before, he didn’t believe. Now, he can do that, said Guardiola. ”In the end, he had the personality to make the action, to put the ball there in the angle. It was a real fantastic goal.“

Guardiola may land in trouble with the Football Association if referee Paul Tierney reports his dash onto the field following Sterling’s winner.