Sterling named Premier League Player of the Month for November

Raheem Sterling has been named Premier League Player of the Month, continuing a week in which the Manchester City star has dominated the headlines.

Raheem Sterling has been named Premier League Player of the Month, continuing a week in which the Manchester City star has dominated the headlines.

Sterling won the award for November on the back of superb performances for Pep Guardiola's side, scoring three goals and claiming a further three assists.

It comes after he was the victim of alleged racist abuse during City's Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Saturday.

Four Chelsea fans have been suspended from attending games after shocking television footage showed them hurling abuse at Sterling.

Chelsea, the FA and the Metropolitan Police are investigating after Sterling said that he had heard racist insults. He also made a statement on social media saying he 'had to laugh' at the verbal abuse as he 'expects no better', as well as criticising media outlets, including Daily Mail and Mail Online, for 'fueling racism' in coverage of balck footballers.

While events off the pitch surrounding Sterling have made the news recently, on the pitch the England international has been in stunning form. 

He started November by playing a major role in the 6-1 crushing of Southampton, scoring twice and setting up another two goals as Man City thumped the strugglers at home.

Sterling also scored and claimed an assist in the 4-0 victory at West Ham, while he played the full 60 minutes in the impressive 3-1 derby win over rivals United on November 11.

He was picked from a seven man shortlist which also featured two City team mates, David Silva and Leroy Sane.

Liverpool's Andrew Robertson, Lucas Digne of Everton, West Ham forward Felipe Anderson and Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko had also been nominated. 

The Premier League shortlist said of Sterling: 'As well as scoring three goals, the winger provided three more for his team-mates as he ran opposing defenders ragged.'

Sterling won thanks to a combination of the public vote - online via the EA Sports website - along with the picks of the 20 Premier League club captains and what the Premier League describe as a 'panel of football experts.'

While his performances on the pitch were excellent, the groundswell of support for Sterling after he spoke out against racism in football may have played a part in sweeping him to the award. 

Sterling has been widely praised for his response to the abuse, and has sparked a wider debate about the presence of racism in football and the coverage of black footballers by the British sports media.

The police investigation into the alleged racist abuse of Sterling is ongoing. There have so far been no arrests.