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.
City also trounced Leeds 7-0 and picked up a 1-0 win away at Brentford, but Sterling was left out of both fixtures.
After guiding the team to seven straight wins last month, Guardiola also collected his second straight Manager of the Month award in a clean sweep for the runaway leaders.
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.
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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 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.