This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
Manchester City maintained their 100% start in Champions League Group C with a resounding 5-0 win over Atalanta on October 23, 2019.
Raheem Sterling was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick in just 11 minutes to take his tally to 12 goals in 13 games this season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Sterling as an 'extraordinary' talent, praising his physicality, strength, and ability to play both sides of the pitch.
Guardiola said, 'His physicality is incredible. He is strong – the day after the game, he could play another game – his regeneration is incredible.'
However, the evening was not without its challenges for Guardiola, as Rodri limped off with a hamstring injury before half-time and Phil Foden was sent off for the first time in his career for two late bookings.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur finally kick-started their Champions League campaign in style by overwhelming Red Star Belgrade 5-0.
Mauricio Pochettino's side needed to produce a response after their indifferent start to the season, and they secured their first win in emphatic fashion with an early header from Harry Kane and two smart finishes from Son Heung-min.
Red Star, who were backed by a large group of fans despite Uefa restrictions imposed after incidents of racism, had no answer as Erik Lamela scored a fourth and Kane added another.
It was a performance and a scoreline to give Pochettino and Spurs a much-needed injection of confidence ahead of their daunting visit to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
