Man City handed Raheem Sterling contract priority following Brentford win

When Manchester City needed a spark to break down Brentford's stubborn defence at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening, Raheem Sterling answered the call and obliged.

The winger, who has resurrected his City career in recent months after finding opportunities hard to come by at the start of the season, despite shining so brightly for England at the European Championship last summer, was instrumental in helping City find a way to record a seventh successive Premier League home win.

He drew the foul that allowed Riyad Mahrez to score the game's opening goal from the penalty spot with a positive, uplifting run, before seeing his saved effort tucked away by Kevin De Bruyne for City's second on the rebound with 69 minutes on the clock.

Although City had to be patient and display strict levels of professionalism against the Bees, Sterling's ability to conjure something up in the blink of an eye was the difference, highlighting the importance he will play in City's pursuit of their second consecutive Premier League crown.

Considering how his season has evolved over the last few months, it makes it all the more surprising that Guardiola felt confident enough to send his side out into battle without him, even though his squad is plagued with world-class talent everywhere you look.

But Sterling's tally of nine goals and three assists in all competitions this season has proven how instrumental he is to Guardiola's plans and how he will continue to be moving forward. At 27 years old, the former Liverpool man, it could be argued, is yet to reach his ceiling.

His raw pace, ability to glide past defenders, score goals and create opportunities for his team-mates are just a handful of his qualities that make him such a luxury and