Aguero scores three as Manchester City go top
Hodgson’s first game at Crystal Palace ends in defeat
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his team’s rich vein of form is comparable to his all-conquering Barcelona side after Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick led to a demolition of Watford at Vicarage Road yesterday.
Aguero’s treble, as well as goals for Gabriel Jesus, Nicolas Otamendi and a penalty from Raheem Sterling saw City run out 6-0 winners.
Following a 5-0 win last week against Liverpool and a 4-0 victory at Feyenoord in the Uefa Champions League, City have now scored 15 goals without conceding in their past three matches.
“It was so good. Especially after an away game in the Champions League. The way we played as a team, we are so happy,” Guardiola said. “I was lucky to manage Barcelona with many outstanding performances but this week has been a lot of goals. We have found our game.”
The win sends City to the top of the Premier League table, three points ahead of rivals Manchester United, who play their game in hand today against Everton at Old Trafford.
Newcastle United welcomed back manager Rafa Benitez with a third successive win as the promoted side saw off Stoke City 2-1 with a second winner in as many games from captain Jamaal Lascelles. Benitez, who missed the 1-0 win over Swansea City after having surgery, was back in the dugout but was under instructions to stay calm.
“Normally I am a little bit more agitated, but today I have to be careful,” Benitez said. “It will take some time to heal, but at least winning is always easier.”
It was all square in three of yesterday’s games, with Leicester City leaving Huddersfield Town with a point, Burnley holding Liverpool to a draw, and West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United playing out a goalless draw.
Roy Hodgson said he faces a stiff challenge to turn around Crystal Palace’s fortunes after a 1-0 home defeat to Southampton saw them become the first Premier League side to lose their first five games and fail to score.
“I still believe in the long-term, these players will pick themselves up from where they have been knocked down to,” Hodgson, who was taking charge of his first game since replacing the sacked Frank de Boer, told Sky Sports.
“It’s going to be a long road and there might be some more pain before we see some light at the end of the tunnel.”
In yesterday’s late game, Tottenham were held to a goalless draw by Swansea at Wembley Stadium.