Raheem Sterling hails narrow win against Southampton.

England international Raheem Sterling insists that Manchester City need to keep being aggressive.

Raheem Sterling acknowledged that Manchester City had to battle hard to seal a 1-0 victory over Southampton at the weekend.

Sterling scored the only goal of the clash at the St Mary's stadium in the 16th minute, though, Pep Guardiola's Citizens had a few more opportunities to score more goals.

Following the match on the South Coast, England winger Sterling said they knew how difficult it would be against the hosts, adding that the narrow win is 'a step in the right direction'.

"It was a tough one, we know how difficult it’s been in the last few weeks," said Sterling as mancity.com quoted. "But we are pleased to get three points

"We had a word with ourselves, to dig deep and find something within when we need to. We are a top team and we need to be competing in every game.

Raheem Sterling scored the only goal as Manchester City beat the Saints [Getty]

"One of the things that’s let us down in the last few weeks is our aggressiveness. We are usually very aggressive - in the press or on the ball - and we are at our best when we are on the front foot.

"It’s a team sport. Of course you look at yourself as an individual and I do that. I know I've not been at my best, but that is football, it’s unpredictable and that's why we love it.

"You can't always be at your best and you have to dig deep.

"There’s a real team spirit in there. It doesn't matter if we are winning or drawing, we stay compact and try to see games through.

"It’s a step in the right direction. We heed to keep going and keep being aggressive."

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