Leroy Sane wins another three points for Manchester City... and it seems he has also won over boss Pep Guardiola following their summer of discontent

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For a player whose poor pre-season cost him a place in Pep Guardiola's plans at the start of this campaign, Leroy Sane has gradually become an influential presence at Manchester City.

Sane started only one of City's first five Premier League games having frustrated Guardiola with his application in the summer.

But a fifth consecutive Premier League start at West Bromwich Albion brought another goal and the kind of committed display that will make it tough for City's manager to rotate him out of a mellifluous attack.

Leroy Sane impressed again on Saturday as he was the man of the match for Manchester City

The 21-year-old scored City's opener then also assisted during a fine 90-minute performance

Sane's goal at the Hawthorns meant he has now scored in four of those matches, the exception being Chelsea away, and aside from the final six minutes at Stamford Bridge the Germany international has played every second.

That indicates that he is doing everything Guardiola wishes. If he weren't, there are any number of others who would have taken his place. And given the Spaniard's exacting standards that extends to more than putting the ball in the back of the net.

Sane's early goal at West Brom exhibited quick thinking and supreme finishing. It was a bullet of a shot taken sharply through the legs of Allan Nyom, when fed by Fernandinho's pass into the left of the area, and not even a clear chance as such.

But Sane's contribution was more than that moment. It was his about his constant attention to stretching West Brom's defence through his frightening pace. It was about his clever interchanges with Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva that tested a typically drilled Tony Pulis side.

Manager Pep Guardiola had been unimpressed with Sane's application during pre-season

But Guardiola has been won over by the winger and has rewarded him with five straight starts

At 21 years old, Sane's current ability is significant but his potential even greater. His decision-making in particular reflects well on a player of his youth.

Sane didn't do everything right at the Hawthorns. His pull back to David Silva on the hour was awry, while in the 73rd minute he scuffed an attempted square pass to Raheem Sterling when put in the clear by De Bruyne.

But before that came an active role in City's third goal, which ultimately turned out to be the winner. It was Sane's fast and subtle exchange with De Bruyne that initially teased apart a West Brom defence that was then opened fully by Kyle Walker's cross to Sterling.

Sane was still looking to run in behind well into the latter stages too, and it is that level of fitness and capability to capitalise on tiring opposition legs that has convinced Guardiola to replace others with second-half substituions.

No member of Guardiola's offence has played more minutes in the last five Premier League games, and perhaps that is the greatest indicator of Sane's current standing. 

It seems certain that standing will only grow in the coming months and years.

As well as impressing with his attacking threat, Sane displayed commitment and endeavour 

Sane applauded City's travelling supporters at the final whistle of their 3-2 win at West Brom