Manchester City supporters have been making a lot of noise in the Transfer Tavern in recent days after seeing their side come through another mammoth test of character with their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League firmly intact.
Pep Guardiola’s men needed late winners to see off Huddersfield Town and Southampton last week, yet the visit of struggling West Ham looked to be the perfect opportunity for the Citizens to get back into their stride. However, the Hammers were outstanding and took the lead at the end of the first half through Angelo Ogbonna’s header, yet the home side once again responded like champions-elect as Nicolas Otamendi and David Silva both netted after the break to seal a third successive 2-1 win for Guardiola’s side, thus maintaining their eight-point lead over Jose Mourinho’s United ahead of next weekend’s derby at Old Trafford.
Consequently, there have been many thrilled Citizens supporters in the Tavern this week, although they may be slightly concerned by a recent report from The Daily Mirror, which suggests that winger Raheem Sterling is set to hold off talks regarding a new contract until after this summer’s World Cup.
The England international has been in scintillating form for the North West outfit so far this season by netting 13 goals in just 20 games for City, which is already more goals than he has managed in all of his previous campaigns as a professional.
And three match-winning strikes in games against Feyenoord, Huddersfield, and Southampton has further underlined his significance to Guardiola’s side, and reports last week suggested that the Premier League leaders were planning to open talks over a new deal for the 22-year-old.
Yet recent reports suggest that Sterling will put those talks on hold until after the World Cup this summer, which is news that could well concern City fans given that it may well open the door for interest to mount in the England star, with both Arsenal and Real Madrid reportedly interested in the last few years.
Landlord’s verdict: Raheem Sterling’s form so far this season has been absolutely outstanding, with both his goal-tally as well as the key goals he has scored underling his significance to Manchester City and manager Pep Guardiola.
And the Premier League leaders looked set to reward him for his incredible form with a new contract last week, however the man himself has reportedly held off talks of a new deal until after this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
And although the likelihood is that the 22-year-old is happy at the Etihad Stadium, holding off contract talks could well instigate interest in the England star over the coming months, what with both Arsenal and Real Madrid having reportedly expressed a desire to land the forward in recent years.
Only time will tell whether that interest does indeed materialise.
Manchester City fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know!
