Preston are out of the Carabo Cup after a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
North End were always fighting a losing battle against Pep Guardiola’s champions, and Alex Neil subsequently made a host of changes. Declan Rudd, Patrick Bauer, Andrew Hughes, Ben Pearson, Paul Gallagher and Seani Maguire were all left out, as they were saved for Saturday’s game against Bristol City.
After a decent start, North End eventually fell behind as Raheem Sterling drove towards goal, defenders backed off, and his strike deflected pass Connor Ripley.
Sterling then set up Gabriel Jesus to fire in the second, and added another assist when he found David Silva for 3-0.
Sterling was absolutely sensational throughout, without even really hitting top form. His movement and speed were difficult to handle throughout, and he was even applauded off by some Preston fans when substituted.
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The England international took to Twitter after the game to celebrate City’s win, but also wish North End luck for the rest of the season, in another nice touch.
Sterling also gave his shirt to a young Preston fan after the game, meaning he proved his class as a player and as a person at Deepdale.