Chelsea used Man City's own tactic against them before Raheem Sterling scored, he's on a mission

Raheem Sterling scored for Chelsea in the first half of their Premier League clash against Manchester City - and they utilised a tactic used so often by their opponents.

Sterling ran in at the back post to put the Blues 2-1 ahead - a mini-comeback of sorts after City had gone 1-0 up through Erling Haaland's penalty.

A 'mini-comeback' it was, as City quickly equalised through Manuel Akanji to conclude what had been a pulsating half at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling's goal, though, was extra special, given it was scored against the team that sold him to Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

And while it has been a mixed 12 months in a Blues shirt, the 28-year-old winger has been getting back to his best form in recent weeks.

You can watch his goal below.

Raheem Sterling gives Chelsea the LEAD against his former side! 🔥⚽ pic.twitter.com/DIRo6AWtIC

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2023

The goal originated from a long ball upfield by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with City unable to deal with the Blues breakaway that followed.

A mistake from Josko Gvardiol allowed Reece James to win the ball at the back post, and he played in Sterling to tap in.

The goalkeeper long ball tactic is often utilised by City goalkeeper Ederson, with the Brazilian often punting the ball upfield to escape the high press from the opposition team.

And the Blues used it to full effect for their second goal - and perhaps fittingly, Sterling was there to finish the move off, just how he used to do at City.

Jamie Carragher summed up the move perfectly on commentary, stating: "They've gone to press high, the goalkeeper's gone long.

"We see Manchester City do this so often, with Ederson, to opposition teams. It's just happened to themselves. We've mentioned just how often Raheem Sterling scored that goal for City at the back post."

This one has all the ingredients of a thriller at Stamford Bridge.