Belief key to Sterling success as Guardiola laughs at 'crazy' Mendy
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the 22-year-old England international, who scored the 96th-minute winner midweek.
Pep Guardiola said belief is behind Raheem Sterling's stellar form for Manchester City after the Englishman's dramatic last-gasp strike secured victory over Southampton.
Sterling was the hero for Premier League-leading City on Wednesday, his 96th-minute goal sealing a 2-1 win against visiting Southampton.
Sterling – with 13 goals in all competitions this season – curled home a sublime winner from the edge of the penalty area in the sixth minute of stoppage time to restore City's eight-point lead atop the table after 14 matches.
Afterwards, City manager Guardiola heaped praise on the 22-year-old England international.
"The goal was amazing because there was no space - there were 10 players in the box," Guardiola said.
"Raheem is still young enough [to improve]. He is making steps. I know he is feeling he can do it [change games].
"Before, he was feeling shy. His team-mates are giving him confidence.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"You have to have the personality to create the pass with Kevin De Bruyne in injury time and put it in [the top corner]. It was a fantastic goal."
Ruptured ACL but who cares after a 95th minute winner November 29, 2017
Sterling's winner sparked wild celebrations among players and staff, namely injured full-back Benjamin Mendy.
Sidelined with a ruptured anterior crucial ligament, French star Mendy did not let that stop him, charging down the touchline to celebrate with Sterling.
Asked about the 23-year-old, who arrived from French champions Monaco in the off-season, Guardiola laughed: "Mendy is crazy!
"He has a six-month injury and is running!"