Manchester City: Raheem Sterling named Premier League Player of the Month after terrific December

Raheem Sterling has been named Premier League Player of the Month after helping Manchester City storm into an impressive lead at the top of the table in December.

Sterling, 27, played the full 90 minutes in five of City’s seven league fixtures last month, registering five goals and an assist for Pep Guardiola’s side.

His impressive form played a key part in victories over Aston Villa, Watford, Wolves, Newcastle and Leicester, results which strengthened their grip on top spot.

The England star is back to his best after patching up his relationship with Pep Guardiola

City now sit 10 points clear at the Premier League summit with 17 matches to play, although Liverpool can reduce the gap to eight points by winning their game-in-hand.

Regardless, Sterling enjoyed a terrific individual month in December and has therefore been rewarded with the Player of the Month award.

It is the third time the England international has claimed the prize, however his last win came all the way back in 2018.

Before December he had only produced two goals in 11 league outings for City amid a strained relationship with Guardiola.

Sterling’s return of five goals in as many games helped City move 10 points clear at the top

Sterling even flirted with the possibility of departing the Etihad back in October after losing his place in the side, insisting his lack of game time could force him to move elsewhere.

But Sportsmail revealed earlier this month that Guardiola has since patched things up with the player, who is now set to put pen to paper on a new contract before the summer.

City are prepared to give Sterling time to mull over the decision, yet they would like his extension to be ironed out by the end of the season.