It was at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Eve that Raheem Sterling feared he had blown his big chance under Pep Guardiola – but bouncing back is something the forward has needed to become good at for club and country.

Manchester City had been held to a goalless draw and Guardiola had been less than impressed by Sterling’s impact from the substitutes’ bench.

But it transpired that Guardiola’s harsh words were all part of the learning experience and Sterling responded in the best possible way, by scoring two days later against Watford.

“He [Guardiola] lets you know when he’s not happy with you,” said Sterling. “I remember coming on against Crystal Palace. I lost the ball three times and I didn’t think I was going to play until the end of the season after he killed me in the dressing room.

“A manager like that brings the best out of you, when he makes sure to tell you when you’re in the wrong.”