Super sub Sterling to the rescue for dominant Man City

Will Ford
Raheem-Sterling-3

Raheem Sterling saved a dominant Man City from embarrassment as he came off the bench to score and change the game in a 2-0 win.

The hosts toiled away in the first half, enjoying the lion’s share of possession, but missing a host of chances.

Dinamo Zagreb were happy to sit back and failed to threaten with the few counter-attacks they had.

Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva both came close and Ilkay Gundogan struck the bar in the first period.

City could have been awarded a penalty as one of many Benjamin Mendy crosses struck a Zagreb player’s hand, but VAR appeared not to even look at the incident.

It was much the same story in the second half before Sterling made the breakthrough in the 65th minute.

Rodri slipped the ball through for Riyad Mahrez on the left of the penalty area who slid the ball across the six yard box for Sterling to smash into the roof of the net.

Man City continued to create chances as Sterling provided extra impetus to their attacking play.

Aguero could have been awarded a penalty late on as he appeared to be tripped in the area but VAR again failed to intervene.

Sterling then turned provider as he passed to Phil Foden who arrowed the ball into the far corner after coming on for the final few minutes.