Some Liverpool fans have been defending Raheem Sterling for his efforts against the Reds on Sunday, after a selection of the Manchester City winger's stats were shared online that painted a negative view of his performance.

Sterling did not manage to record any shots on target or create any key passes on his latest return to Anfield, in what was the England international's 12th appearance against Liverpool following his £49million transfer in 2015.

A selection of Reds supporters felt Sterling managed to cause Jurgen Klopp's side problems throughout the contest, though, as he put on a display worthy of being described as the best individual performance by a Man City player.

While he could not direct any of his efforts on target, Sterling did register the joint-most shots by a Citizens player on Sunday, as he and Kyle Walker both recorded four efforts on Alisson Becker's goal.

Sterling also won two aerial duels, completed a game-high eight dribbles and was successful with 81.6% of his 38 passes, according to data collected by WhoScored.

Of the 55-cap Three Lions attacker's 38 passes, two were crosses into the box, although neither managed to connect with a teammate. Sterling did win 11 of his 18 ground duels, though, and lost possession on fewer occasions than Kevin de Bruyne and Sadio Mane, per Sofa Score figures.

Here are some of the messages shared from Liverpool fans defending Sterling for his efforts against the Anfield outfit even if not all the stats showed how influential he truly was…