Manchester City star scoops Premier League Player of the Month award for stunning December form

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has been voted December 2021’s Premier League Player of the Month.

The England international beat off competition from City team-mate Joao Cancelo to scoop the award, as well as James Maddison, Gabriel Martinelli, Mason Mount, Martin Odegaard, and Heung-min Son.

This is the third time Sterling has won the monthly award, the previous two coming in August 2016 and November 2018.

Sterling’s delightful December

December was a month to remember for the champions, as they won all seven games to wrap up 2021 in style.

It all started with a 2-1 win over Aston Villa, where Sterling set up Ruben Dias for City’s opener.

The former Liverpool wideman then netted in both of the next two games, as Pep Guardiola’s men dispatched Watford 3-1 and then got past a tough Wolverhampton Wanderers outfit, with Sterling’s 66th-minute penalty the only goal of the game, which was his 100th Premier League goal.

After sitting out the 7-0 mauling of Leeds United, Sterling played the full 90 minutes against Newcastle United, and netted in the final stages of the encounter.

The No.7 also scored twice in the 6-3 win over Leicester City on Boxing Day, before being rested for the trip to Brentford three days later.

It means Sterling scored five and provided one assist from his five Premier League appearances in December.

Looking ahead

After winning the award, Sterling told City’s official website he wants to continue that excellent form into 2022.

“I am delighted to win this award again – but December was an amazing month for the whole team,” he said.

“The Premier League is the most challenging competition in the world, so to win all seven of our league games throughout the month of December is incredible.

“Contributing to those wins with goals has felt good and that makes me happy. Hopefully we can continue this form because 2021 has been brilliant for us.

"All of us want to win trophies at the end of the season and that is what our aim will be from now until then.”