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Manuel Pellegrini said Raheem Sterling was taken off at half-time for the good of the team.

The former Liverpool player did not reappear for the second half of Manchester City's win over Swansea, with Fabian Delph taking his place.

Sterling had not looked injured or especially poor in t

he opening period, but Pellegrini confirmed it was a tactical decision rather than an enforced change.

"It was just a tactical change," he said, "because in the first half we didn't have the possession. We needed one midfielder more because the work needed from Yaya and Fernandinho was too much for just two players."

Delph brought his usual energy to the Blues in the second half, although it looked to be in vain until Yaya Toure's deflected effort gave the home team an important three points.

Sterling has frequently been substituted since moving to the Etihad, rarely completing 90 minutes in his many starts for the club this season.

More from the match

But the player - who rescued City in midweek with two late goals against Borussia Monchengladbach to take them top of their Champions League group - has spoken of his willingness to help the team.

While he may not have been happy with being sacrificed, the manager said his player accepted it was to give City their best chance of winning.

"A player never wants to be substituted but he knows that if I do it it is because I think it is the best way to win this game," he said.