Saul Goodman wrote:Did the goal just gloss over an otherwise weak performance though?
No, Sterling gave a fine performance & never gave up on scoring, against an Estonian side that essentially parked a bus in front of their goal, for the entire 90 minutes.
Unlike Milner, Raheem's shots were on target, including his goal.
Joe Hart had absolutely nothing to do and could have slept through the match!
There isn't any side in the world that doesn't struggle against a team that defends with every man blocking the goal. What Sterling has learned at City, is the patience to wait for that one lightning quick opening, where he can get past stonewall defending. Milner, Barkley, Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain & especially Kane, all blew very similar chances, right in front of the goal.
Raheem Sterling actually managed to score, from Vardy's perfect cross, even with a defender tackling him, at the same time! Sterling & Vardy created the space to score, where there had been practically no space, all match... It may not make for exciting viewing, but it was a notable achievement, nevertheless.
Since you didn't watch the match, here are plenty of photos:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... g-win.html