EPL 2016/17: Liverpool 1 - 0 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#4 The battle of the #7’s: James Milner vs Raheem Sterling

Sterling and Milner had an interesting scrap on the Manchester City right

There has been a lot of discussion around James Milner’s role at left-back for Liverpool and if the team need to purchase a recognised left-back for the position. But the experienced Englishman continues to excel in his new role and he had an excellent game against City where he kept Raheem Sterling (who was playing on right wing) quiet.

Sterling, a former Liverpool player, would have been keen to perform well on his return to Anfield, but had a disappointing game and was booed by the baying home crowd whenever he had the ball. He was constantly kept in check by Milner, who ensured that the winger wasn’t able to make any impact. (Sterling was moved to the other flank later in the match, but found the going tough against Nathaniel Clyne as well)

It was an intriguing contest between the two players who wear the coveted No. 7 jersey of their respective sides (and having represented the other team previously), and the veteran Milner, despite playing in a make-shift role, was able to win the battle against the younger Sterling.

I said to Raheem Sterling You must still be full of energy. He said Why? I said Because you've spent the whole first half in my back pocket.

— Boring James Milner (@BoringMilner) December 31, 2016