Why Raheem Sterling was disappointed despite Man City's 5-1 win over Atalanta

Manchester City destroyed Italian side Atalanta on Tuesday night.

Raheem Sterling put in a wonderful performance, netting a hat-trick at the Etihad.

The winger has now scored nine goals in 12 games in all competitions after his haul on Tuesday night.

But despite the impressive result, Sterling still wasn’t overly happy with his – or his team’s – performance.

Speaking after the game, the 24-year-old admitted he should have got himself another goal, and wasn’t best pleased about the penalty his team conceded to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

“It was difficult with them going man for man, it was tough to get space,” he told reporters.

“But we had to stay patient, wait for a chance and take them when they came.

“I should have had four. Riyad [Mahrez] set me up [for his third goal] and as soon as they put me through I was looking to put one on a plate for him.

“But I went through and should have finished it.

“There’s no point scoring goals if you let in easy ones.

“The penalty is disappointing.”

Boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Sterling, and joked about the star’s ability to recover after playing 90 minutes.

“All the credit is for him,” said Guardiola.

“His physicality is incredible. He’s strong.

“The day after a game, he could play another! The regeneration is incredible, and he can play both sides.

“He’s an extraordinary player.”

source: express.co.uk