Raheem Sterling's Shocking Decline: How His Goals Led To A Crisis For Manchester City

The football world was once abuzz with excitement whenever Raheem Sterling took to the pitch for Manchester City. The mercurial winger's pace, skill, and clinical finishing had made him a fan favorite, and his ability to unlock defenses with his trademark speed and agility had been a key factor in City's ascent to the top of the Premier League. However, in recent seasons, Sterling's form has been nothing short of disastrous, and his struggles have had a profound impact on the team's overall performance.

Sterling's decline has been a topic of discussion among football fans and pundits alike, with many questioning what went wrong for the 27-year-old winger. Was it a natural ebb and flow in his career, or has he simply lost his touch? The answer, it seems, lies in a combination of factors, including changes in his playing style, a lack of effective support from his teammates, and a persistent injury record that has kept him on the sidelines for extended periods.

The Rise and Fall of a City Legend

Raheem Sterling's arrival at Manchester City in 2015 marked the beginning of a new era for the club. The young winger's pace and skill had already made him a household name in England, and his ability to make a difference on the pitch was evident from the outset. Over the course of his first season at the Etihad, Sterling netted 21 goals in all competitions, including 20 in the Premier League, as City won the title with ease.

However, as the seasons went by, Sterling's form began to wane. He struggled to replicate his success from the previous campaign, and his goal tally dwindled to just a handful in the Premier League. The 2016-17 season was particularly bleak, as Sterling managed to score just five goals in 25 appearances, including 18 from the bench.

The Changes in Playing Style

One of the primary reasons for Sterling's decline in form was the changes in his playing style. Under Pep Guardiola, City had adopted a more possession-based approach to the game, with an emphasis on maintaining possession and wearing down opponents. Sterling, on the other hand, had thrived in a more traditional, attacking setup under Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

As a result, Sterling found himself out of his element at City, struggling to adapt to the new style of play and the constant pressure to maintain possession. His lack of defensive work rate and positional awareness also made him vulnerable to being caught out of position, leading to defensive lapses that often resulted in opposition counter-attacks.

The Lack of Effective Support

Another factor contributing to Sterling's decline was the lack of effective support from his teammates. City's attack had become increasingly reliant on Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, with Sterling often finding himself isolated up front. This was evident in the 2017-18 season, when Sterling managed just four goals in 21 appearances, including 16 from the bench.

The lack of effective support also meant that Sterling was often forced to make sacrifices in defense, which further exacerbated his decline. His defensive work rate and positioning were compromised by the need to press higher up the pitch, leading to a decrease in his overall performance.

The Injury Record

Sterling's injury record has also played a significant role in his decline. Over the past three seasons, he has missed a total of 30 games due to injury, including several lengthy spells on the sidelines. These absences have not only affected his own performance but also had a broader impact on the team's overall success.

The loss of Sterling's pace and skill has been particularly felt in big games, where his ability to make a difference on the pitch has been a major factor in City's success. However, his return to the pitch has often been followed by a decrease in form, further exacerbating the team's woes.

The Consequences of Sterling's Decline

Sterling's decline has had a profound impact on Manchester City's overall performance. The team's goal tally has decreased significantly in his absence, and the lack of a dominant attacking threat has made it difficult for City to win games.

The consequences of Sterling's decline are not limited to the pitch, however. The winger's absence has also had a major impact on the team's morale, with several players expressing frustration at the lack of support from their teammates. The absence of Sterling's pace and skill has also led to a decrease in the team's overall confidence, making it difficult for City to compete with other top teams.

The Future of Sterling at Manchester City

As the 2022-23 season gets underway, there are still questions surrounding Sterling's future at Manchester City. Will the winger continue to struggle, or will he rediscover his form and become a key player for the team once again? The answer, it seems, lies in a combination of factors, including changes in his playing style, a lack of effective support from his teammates, and a persistent injury record.

One thing is certain, however: Sterling's decline has had a significant impact on Manchester City, and the team's success will depend on his ability to regain his form and become a dominant attacking threat once again.

Options for Sterling

Sterling's options for regaining his form and becoming a key player for Manchester City are limited. He may need to adapt to a new playing style, one that takes into account his strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving his defensive work rate and positioning.

Alternatively, Sterling may need to consider a move away from the Etihad, one that would allow him to rediscover his form and become a key player for a new team. The summer transfer window offers a number of options for Sterling, including moves to Juventus, AC Milan, and Barcelona.

The Impact on Manchester City

Regardless of what happens to Sterling,