Chelsea supporters have expressed a newfound respect for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola – thanks to Raheem Sterling.

The Stamford Bridge faithful have not seen the best of the England winger since his summer move to Stamford Bridge from the Etihad, with his early efforts at the Emirates on Tuesday notably under par.

Chelsea fans flocked to social media to give their thoughts on the 28-year-old and his early display which included several losses of possession and a comical dive.

One comment read: “The biggest compliment I can pay Pep Guardiola is that he made Raheem Sterling look quite good. A truly dreadful player.”

A second said: “The only reason Sterling has had a successful career is because of Pep Guardiola and I’ll die on this hill.”

A third posted: “Sterling is so unbelievably poor you have to also ask what Lampard is thinking, playing him over and over.”

A fourth agreed: “Honestly I respect Guardiola…how was he able to use Sterling.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City celebrate with the Premier League trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Manchester, England.
Raheem Sterling has four Premier League titles to his name (Image: Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Pep Guardiola gives instructions to Raheem Sterling of Manchester City before they are substituted on during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on May 22, 2022 in Manchester, England
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola got the best out of Raheem Sterling (Image: Manchester City FC via Getty Images)

Another comment said: “Guardiola’s biggest achievement as a manager is making Sterling look world class.”

Sterling won four Premier League titles under Guardiola at City and three times scored 17 goals or more in a single domestic campaign.

Sterling’s struggles this week were not the only heartaches for interim boss Frank Lampard, with his side slipping 3-0 down in the opening 45 minutes.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal speaks with Raheem Sterling of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England
Raheem Sterling’s time at Chelsea has not gone to plan (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

With Martin Odegaard scoring twice, Gabriel Jesus also scored following a defensive mix-up with Chelsea nine points above the relegation zone with five games to play.