Aguero lifts City 16 points clear
Manchester, Feb. 11: Sergio Aguero scored four goals as Manchester City extended their Premier League lead to 16 points with a 5- 1 rout of Leicester City on Saturday.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for the hosts, converting Kevin De Bruyne’s teasing cross in the third minute before Jamie Vardy equalised against the run of play with a slight deflection beating Ederson.
City started the second period in rapid fashion, Aguero scoring twice within five minutes with both goals assisted by the brilliant De Bruyne.
The Argentine completed his treble in the 77th minute, capitalising on Kasper Schmeichel’s error and lifting a sublime finish over the Dane to become the fourth player to score at least 20 Premier League goals in four successive seasons.
Aguero saved the best for last, though, with a sensational dipping shot that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
“Sergio has an amazing talent in the box, so we try to create a lot of chances to score the goals he does, and he always does,” City manager Pep Guardiola told the BBC.
“Congratulations to him because it’s not easy to score four goals.”
City dominated possession from the first whistle and creative maestro De Bruyne’s superb cross evaded everyone before Sterling poked home at the far post.
For all their possession, the hosts created few chances and Vardy punished them with a breakaway goal midway through the period — his fourth in four games.
Aguero took over in the second half, scoring four times to take his tally to 21 Premier League goals.
In the process, he joined big names Harry Kane, Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer as the fourth player ever to score more than 20 goals in four successive English Premier League seasons.
NEWCASTLE ROCK MAN UNITED
Matt Ritchie condemned Manchester United to a shock 1- 0 defeat at struggling Newcastle, while Huddersfield climbed out of the relegation zone after a 4- 1 win against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho’s second placed side, beaten by Tottenham in their last away game, were rarely at their best at St James’ Park and paid the price in the 65th minute.
United defender Chris Smalling was booked for diving inside his own half and from the resulting Jonjo Shelvey free- kick, Dwight Gayle latched onto a header and played a backheel towards Ritchie.
Ritchie’s run was completely untracked by United’s sloppy defence and the Newcastle winger fired low past David De Gea. Mourinho responded by pulling off Paul Pogba after another underwhelming display from the France midfielder.
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