Aguero hits a hat-trick in City masterclass

– Manchester City stormed to the top of the Premier League as Sergio Aguero’s hattrick inspired a 6-0 demolition of Watford, while Philippe Coutinho’s return couldn’t lift Liverpool in a 1-1 draw against Burnley on Saturday.

Aguero (right) tormented Watford at Vicarage Road.

City took the lead in the 27th minute when Aguero headed in from Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick.

Aguero struck again four minutes later, tapping in after goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes couldn’t hold David Silva’s cross-shot.

He then turned provider in the 38th minute, slipping in Gabriel Jesus for a nonchalant finish.

Nicolas Otamendi then headed in the fourth from Silva’s cross in the 63rd minute before Aguero completed his 10th City treble with nine minutes left.

There was still time for Raheem Sterling to win and convert an 89th-minute penalty.

At Anfield, with Sadio Mane suspended, Coutinho made his first Liverpool start since his failed attempt to force a move to Barcelona.

Brazil forward Coutinho missed the first five games of the season with a back injury before coming on in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Sevilla.

But despite his return, Jurgen Klopp’s team were rocked when Scott Arfield put Burnley in front in the 27th minute.

Liverpool drew level three minutes later through Mohamed Salah’s cool finish from Emre Can’s pass, but the Reds couldn’t find a winner with Coutinho substituted in the closing stages.

Tottenham Hotspur failed to win for a third successive league match at Wembley as Swansea City held on for a 0-0 draw.

After a midweek Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, which serves as Tottenham’s home while White Hart Lane is rebuilt, Mauricio Pochettino’s team were frustrated as Harry Kane hit the woodwork, while the hosts also had three penalty appeals turned down.

Roy Hodgson was unable to stop Crystal Palace hitting a historic low as Steven Davis sealed Southampton’s 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Palace are the first English toptier team to lose their opening five fixtures without scoring a single goal. – AFP