City: normal service has been resumed

Manchester – Pep Guardiola hailed his side’s mental strength as Sergio Aguero’s (left) hat-trick helped Manchester City beat Newcastle United 3-1 to restore their 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

After losing 4-3 against Liverpool last weekend, this Etihad Stadium contest was always likely to ask questions of City’s squad and their ability to return to winning ways after the Anfield defeat ended their remarkable unbeaten start to the season.

Yet any fears City fans might have had about the desire of Guardiola’s squad to win the title were put to bed on Saturday after the brilliant Aguero bagged the match ball.

Guardiola was especially pleased with the way his team managed to recover.

“The players reacted really well with huge personality,” the City manager said.

City were completely dominant for vast swathes of Saturday’s match as Aguero headed home Kevin de Bruyne’s brilliant cross after 34 minutes before doubling City’s lead from the penalty spot on 63 minutes following a foul on Raheem Sterling.

But when Jacob Murphy pulled a goal back on 67 minutes, clipping past Ederson, the game came alive.

City were able to breathe easy with seven minutes remaining when the thrilling Leroy Sane waltzed around and through Newcastle’s defence before laying off to Aguero who swept home his third goal. –