The Joe Gomez vs Raheem Sterling narrative was back in full flow during Manchester City vs Liverpool on Thursday night.It was the Reds' first ever match as Premier League champions and playing at the home of the side who trailed them in second place couldn't have made for a more dramatic after party.In truth, Pep Guardiola's side have been miles behind their north-west rivals this season, unable to launch an effective campaign for a third consecutive title after two defeats in their first eight games.Their third defeat of the season came against - you guessed it - Liverpool themselves in a controversial 3-1 draw that still spawns screenshots of Trent Alexander-Arnold's right arm...But the champions were fighting to ensure there'd be no debate over the result at the Etihad Stadium, entering the game with just a single league defeat and two draws to their name.And the first chance of the game did indeed go to Jurgen Klopp's men as Mohamed Salah continued his hunt for a third Golden Boot by rattling the woodwork at Ederson's near post.
Gomez vs Sterling II
However, it was the hosts who eventually broke the deadlock and it came virtue of a penalty from - you really couldn't write it - the aforementioned duo of Gomez and Sterling.
It had been joked all week that Sterling will be giving the guard of honour to his former side through gritted teeth having experienced a spat with Gomez during England duties last year.
So, everyone did a double-take when Gomez conceded a stonewall penalty to his compatriot by manhandling him in the box until hitting the ground seemed the only logical move.
You can check out the video down below:
Scoring and assisting
It will come as absolutely no surprise that fans are saying Sterling has 'got revenge' on Gomez for the guard of honour by, well, teeing up City to spoil Liverpool's party.
Kevin De Bruyne made no mistake from the penalty spot and then, just to make things even better, Sterling made it 2-0 by scoring a goal of his own.
Naturally, it was Gomez who made the error...