UCL 2019-20 | Man City vs Atalanta highlights and key moments

'Poetry in motion'. se are words often used to describe Pep Guardiola's style of play. Guardiola's football philosophy was once again on show as Manchester City demolished visitors Atalanta by a 5-1 scoreline on Tuesday night. Raheem Sterling was man of match, and with good reason. England international scored three goals in of 11 minutes to see Manchester City safely through to victory. Sterling's hat-trick was his fifth career hat-trick for club and country. Interestingly, four of those hat-tricks have come in his last 35 appearances since March. 

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City, who were without Aymeric Laporte were forced to play a makeshift center-back pairing of Fernandinho and Rodri. However, Kevin de Bruyne did start for hosts, alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden in midfield. Riyad Mahrez, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling started in attack for Man City. Atalanta, meanwhile, went into game on back of some excellent form in Serie A. Atalanta are currently third in Seria A table, having lost just one of ir eight games in league so far. Interestingly, Atalanta have also scored highest number of goals in Serie A so far, netting 21 goals in eight league games. 

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Man City were guilty of starting game slowly. result was a penalty for Atalanta in 28th minute. Atalanta forward Josip Ilicic tripped over trailing leg of City's makeshift center-back Fernandinho. referee pointed to spot and Ruslan Malivsky stepped up to put Atlanta ahead. Italian side's lead, however, lasted just seven minutes. Sterling's first decisive impact came in 34th minute when England international clipped in a cross for Sergio Aguero. Argentine made just eugh contact to net City's equaliser. Moments later, on 38 minutes, Raheem Sterling was brought down inside box, as referee once again pointed to spot, albeit at opposite end this time. Sergio Aguero stepped up to put City ahead; a lead which y carried into half-time break.

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Man City vs Atalanta: Sterling bags hat-trick

half-time whistle must have set something off in Raheem Sterling, as former Liverpool winger made a bright start to second half. Some good gameplay from Kevin de Bruyne meant that Phil Foden found just eugh to set up Raheem Sterling's first for night. Six minutes later, Sterling made a penetrating run and cut inside, before putting ball in back of net to grab his second for night. Atalanta were still reeling from shock of conceding four goals when Riyad Mahrez played in a delightful cross for Sterling to net his third for night. However, game was t without its negative for Pep Guardiola, as new signing Rodri suffered a hamstring injury during first half. It was also a night of mixed feelings for Phil Foden. youngster enjoyed a rare start for Manchester City but was sent off for a second yellow after appearing to pull back Atalanta's Martin de Roon.

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