Two weeks is a long time in football. Raheem Sterling, embarrassingly replaced at half-time when Manchester City last played before the international break a fortnight ago, redeemed himself in spectacular fashion with his first professional hat-trick at The Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
One of the criticisms aimed against Sterling following his £49million summer move from Liverpool was a lack of goals.
No longer, his classy treble against Bournemouth took his tally for the Premier League leaders to five in 10 matches, having scored 11 in his last campaign at Anfield.
'He must improve, he is improving and I am sure this season he will score more goals than another season he played for Liverpool,' said City boss Manuel Pellegrini afterwards.
It's true Bournemouth were already carrying a lengthy injury-list before goalkeeper Adam Federici was drafted into the starting line-up at the last minute when Artur Boruc was injured in the warm-up.
But Sterling's second goal in particular was a treat, leaving two defenders on their backside as weaved his way to goal reminiscent of two other famous Manchester names, George Best and Ryan Giggs.
The comparison might sound sacrilegious to some but it's easy to forget Sterling doesn't even turn 21 until December.
He was deservedly given a standing ovation when replaced by Manuel Pellegrini with 13 minutes left – an astounding personal turnaround from his last club appearance against Newcastle when he was replaced after 45 minutes.
'He didn't lose confidence after being taken off in the last game. I spoke to him immediately after that game, he didn't play well,' said Pellegrini.
'We changed his position for this game and it was important. We put Kevin (De Bruyne) in his position on the left and Raheem was nearer Wilfried Bony, who created space for him and allowed him to score more goals.
Sterling himself was delighted. 'I like to go out with a free mind and play my game,' he said. 'I definitely work on my finishing. I get quite a lot of chances and it's definitely something I will keep working on.'
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