Raheem Sterling blasts 11-minute treble as Man City run riot

Pep Guardiola saluted "extraordinary" Raheem Sterling after Manchester City's majestic winger hit a brilliant 11-minute hat-trick in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of Atalanta. Guardiola's side were rocked by Ruslan Malivsky's first-half penalty in Champions League clash at Etihad Stadium. But City responded superbly as Sergio Aguero struck twice before interval.

Raheem Sterling had provided assists for both of Aguero's goals, but England star was just getting warmed up. After interval, Sterling struck three times to complete a personal masterclass that underlined his rise in Guardiola era from enigmatic playmaker to lethal finisher. Raheem Sterling has emerged as City's driving force over last 18 months and his second hat-trick of season confirmed his place among world's best players.

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"All credit is for him. He's a guy whose physicality is incredible. He is so strong," Guardiola said. "A day after a game, he could play ar. His regeneration is incredible and he can play both sides. He is an extraordinary player." Asked if 24-year-old could get even better, Guardiola added: "It depends on him, his desire, and I think he has that." only frustration for Guardiola was a late red card for young midfielder Phil Foden. "He will learn. He will kw after one yellow card need to be more careful," Guardiola said.

City's third successive Group C victory leaves m top of table, five points clear of second-placed Dinamo Zagreb with three games left. "It was an incredible effort because y have a lot of quality. That is why I am so satisfied with result," Guardiola added. "Three more points in next game and we will be in next st." Atalanta, making ir Champions League debut this season, are still searching for ir first point after a third consecutive defeat. Guardiola had called on City to show y have mentality to conquer "little margins" needed to win Champions League for first time. This was perfect response as y recovered from falling behind in 28th minute. For second successive game, Guardiola had responded to City's defensive injury problems by deploying midfielders Fernandinho and Rodri as his two center-backs.

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Raheem Sterling sparkles 

It was an uncomfortable arrangement and when Josip Ilicic advanced into City area, Fernandinho rashly stuck out a leg to trip Atalanta winger and concede a penalty. Malivsky sent Ederson wrong way with spot-kick as City conceded ir first goal in this season's tournament. That blow woke City from ir slumber and Aguero made up for his earlier miss with 34th-minute equalizer.

Raheem Sterling deserved much of credit for a penetrating run and delicate cross that allowed Aguero to peel off his marker for a clinical close-range finish. City had ir rhythm back and Sterling was catalyst again when y took lead in 38th minute. Surging into Atalanta area at pace, Sterling was clearly tripped by Andrea Masiello and Aguero stepped up to score penalty.

It was Aguero's 10th goal in all competitions this season, ending a three-game drought for City's record scorer. Rodri limped off before half-time, prompting John Stones' introduction after missing six games with an injury, but t before Guardiola, pounding dug-out seat in frustration, appeared to chastise City defender for his slow rise from bench. "I think it will be 10 days but if it's broken (torn), it will be three weeks," Guardiola said of Rodri's injury.

Raheem Sterling made it three in 58th minute as he drilled into roof of net. He wasn't finished yet and raced onto Ilkay Gundogan's pass before deftly cutting back onto his right foot for a fine finish in 64th minute. Capping a memorable evening for Raheem Sterling, five minutes later he scored his 11th goal of season with a close-range strike from Riyad Mahrez's cross.

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