Aguero leads Man City to more silverware
LONDON: Manchester City’s attacking ruthlessness has not been blunted by fatigue after the World Cup — winning the Community Shield demonstrated that beyond any doubt yesterday.
Three weeks after the World Cup finished, the English Premier League champion opened the new season yesterday by collecting more silverware.
Sergio Aguero scored twice — once in each half for his recordextending 200th and 201st goals for City — as FA Cup holder Chelsea was beaten 20 in the traditional curtainraiser to the English season at Wembley Stadium.
‘‘The heat today was so tough,’’ City manager Pep Guardiola said.
‘‘So demanding.’’
While it has been a summer of continuity at City after a record 100point Premier League haul, Chelsea has gone through more turmoil in recent weeks.
‘‘Our preseason until now has been crazy,’’ Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri said. ‘‘So we have to work.’’
The former Napoli coach has had only a couple of weeks to work on his new Chelsea squad after the protracted firing of Antonio Conte, abandoning his fellow Italian’s preferred 3421 formation for 433.
Although Conte won the FA Cup at Wembley in May, he paid the price for Chelsea’s slump from league winner to fifth place, leaving the 2012 Champions League winner out of Europe’s elite competition this year. City finished 30 points ahead of Chelsea.
City had already wrapped up its third Premier League title in six years when Aguero underwent surgery on his left knee in April.
The striker was fit for the World Cup, but Argentina was eliminated in the round of 16, ensuring he left Russia two weeks before the tournament ended.
‘‘He arrived [back at City] so sharp, so good,’’ Guardiola said.
‘‘With him and Gabriel [Jesus] we are good in that position.’’
Aguero’s second goal against Chelsea completed a counterattack in the 58th minute.
John Stones gained possession inside his own half, Ilkay Gundogan advanced with the ball and Bernardo Silva then threaded a pass through to Aguero, who netted his 201st goal.
The other goal came when England under17 midfielder Phil Foden surged forward in the 13th minute before squaring to Aguero, who struck into the bottom corner.
Resolving the managerial situation has not ended the uncertainty involving Chelsea. Both goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Eden Hazard are still on their breaks after helping Belgium finish third at the World Cup.
It is unclear if they will play for Chelsea again as the duo are linked with moves to Real Madrid.
With the Premier League starting on Sunday when Manchester United hosts Leicester City, clubs have until Friday to sign players for the new season after the close of the transfer window was brought forward to before the season opens. — AP