So that is another one for the count. When Manchester City really need him, Raheem Sterling delivers.
His Premier League 'goal drought' ends at just the two matches with this crucial opener against Aston Villa, slipping underneath Tom Heaton seconds after the restart.
It put Sterling on 36 goals for the calendar year – level with none other than Lionel Messi. A relentless pursuit of adding to his tally has elevated the 24-year-old into that sort of realm.
Guardiola has been at pains to point out that Sterling's improvement over the last two years has come from the player himself and believes he still has room to develop further.
The City manager has likened him to Romario in a new book, 'Pep's City: the making of a superteam,' and praised his fortitude.
'He's a guy whose physicality is incredible, he is so strong,' Guardiola said. 'A day after a game, he could play another game. His regeneration is incredible.
'He can play both sides, he's fast and defensively he helps us a lot. He is an extraordinary player.'