Sergio’s treble leads Man City rout
Huddersfield hit for six as champions show class
Manchester – Sergio Aguero hit a hittrick as Manchester City’s record-breaking forward inspired a 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s champions opened their home campaign with a pre-match display of ticker tape and exploding fireworks and Aguero continued the pyrotechnics on the field.
The Argentina star – City’s all-time leading scorer – joins former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler on nine Premier League hat-tricks. Only ex-Newcastle and Blackburn star Alan Shearer has scored more in the competition’s history, with 11.
City’s rampant display underlined why they are such strong favourites to retain their title.
Such is City’s strength in depth, Guardiola was able to leave Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling on the bench.
After relentless City pressure, which featured Guardiola’s team having 80% of possession, the champions finally took the lead on 25 minutes, the start of a threegoal blitz inside 10 minutes.
Ederson, Guardiola’s ball-playing goalkeeper, struck a magnificent pass over 60 yards, isolating Aguero against defender Christopher Schindler.
The Argentine skilfully held off his marker, twisting and turning before lobbing the ball over keeper Ben Hamer, who had advanced to the edge of his area, from the edge of the area.
Six minutes later, Benjamin Mendy attacked down the left, exchanging passes with Gabriel Jesus, who enjoyed a fortunate ricochet off a defender before drilling the ball home. And the rout continued when Hamer fumbled a routine Mendy cross and Aguero pounced, tapping in from six yards.
Meanwhile, Manchester United suffered a shock 3-2 at Brighton & Hove Albion after a shocking performance. Goals by Glenn Murray, Shane Duffy and Pascal Grob sank Jose Mourinho’s side.