Sterling pleased with 'special' headed goal against Arsenal

Raheem Sterling was pleased to score the winner against Arsenal but was more delighted because the goal came via a header.

A header from Raheem Sterling just under two minutes was enough to see City take all three points against Arsenal.

The Citizens extended their lead at the top to ten points and also extended their winning run to 18 games in all competitions.

For Sterling, his latest strike took him to 13 goals across all competitions for City, meaning he is the club’s top-scorer this season.

No player has scored more goals across all competitions this season for Manchester City than Raheem Sterling (13).

The perfect start for the visitors.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 21, 2021

For a man of his stature, it’s no surprise to see the 26-year-old take joy in headed goals.

Sterling last scored a header in City’s 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool and was delighted to add another one to his belt.

“I’m 5 ft 7 and a half and got up really well there. I’m really happy,” he said as per the club’s official website.

“Whenever I score a headed goal it’s an extra buzz. I’m happy with the goal. This one was a bit better of a leap and I was just happy to score.”

“It’s not rare, I’ve scored a few in my time, but not many. It’s a real special one when I get my head on it. I didn’t know where it was going to land but you have to be in the box to score it and that’s exactly what I’ve done there.”

“The one I should have tucked away was when Kevin put me through, I sat the guy down and hesitated a bit.”

“I think we moved the ball well. Riyad [Mahrez] was really aggressive in the first five minutes and we kept the pressure on.”

A big part of City’s recent success has been down to their rock-solid defense, and Sterling took time to praise their defensive unit.

Manchester City with Ederson, Stones and Dias starting:

🏟 13 games.
🧤 12 clean sheets.
🥅 ONE goal conceded.

Absolutely unbelievable partnership they've got at the back.

Magnet and Steel 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ub0B8QHPhM
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) February 21, 2021

“The two centre-halves, their partnership has been great this season, they have a great understanding – even with Aymeric [Laporte] there’s a really good unity and bond there,” he continued.

“They’re trying to keep clean sheets and it’s a credit to them.”

“It’s even better now because we had a difficult start to the season, it was something we’re not used to.”

“We weren’t scoring as many goals as we’re used to and it’s a credit to the team that we started to dig results out. That’s the sign of a winning team that you have to dig results out.”