Raheem Sterling thanked the fans for their part in helping Liverpool to defeat title rivals Manchester City 3-2 at Anfield on Sunday.
The 19-year-old scored the Reds’ first of the afternoon, showing great maturity and composure to score past Joe Hart after just six minutes.
A header from Martin Skrtel gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead by half-time, but City hit back with two goals early in the second-half to equalise.
Philippe Coutinho‘s strike twelve minutes from time proved the winner for Brendan Rodgers’ side in a frantic game that keeps Liverpool top of the Premier League with four games left to play.
Sterling was superb throughout the game, holding off City defenders at ease and finding the extra yard to skip away from them, driving Liverpool’s attacks forward.
The England international took advantage of a post-match television interview with BBC Sport to thank Liverpool supporters for their overwhelming support.
He said, “Coming in here [Anfield] on the coach today, we couldn’t even move!
“I had my phone out recording the fans singing and cheering and it was a great atmosphere again.
“Long may it continue with the fans supporting us and hopefully we can do the business on the pitch.”
Sterling also used Twitter to send two post-match messages:
Great team win glad to be on score sheet and be named man of the match #GODISGOOD #TSG http://t.co/6I87DfuCau
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling31) April 13, 2014
Jus want to say woow the atmosphere today from our supporters #priceless
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling31) April 13, 2014
Whilst fellow Liverpool youngster Jordon Ibe congratulated his teammate on his outstanding performance against City:
Yes yes my brudda @sterling31 ???????? #GAZA
— Jordon Ibe (@IbeJordon) April 13, 2014
After paying tribute to victims of the Hillsborough disaster prior to kick-off with a minute’s silence, Liverpool fans unleashed a 90 minute roar with euphoric scenes upon the full-time whistle.
The result, and Chelsea‘s later 1-0 victory at Swansea, means Liverpool are two points clear of the Blues at the top of the Premier League. Man City sit in third place, now seven points behind the Reds with two games in hand.
If Liverpool win their remaining four games, they will be crowned champions — starting with next Sunday’s clash at Norwich City.
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