AGUERO PLAYING THROUGH PAIN TO STRIKE YET AGAIN
HAVING scored Manchester City’s second goal, Sergio Aguero was withdrawn before Brighton even kicked off again. The Argentine is that precious to Pep Guardiola, whose mind has swiftly moved on from a routine victory to a very important Champions league date in Germany on Tuesday night.
Aguero’s second-half goal, which he instigated by playing a wonderful one-two with Raheem Sterling, was his 15th in the last 11 Premier League games played at the Etihad Stadium.
What makes the striker’s current performances more remarkable is that he is playing through a painful foot injury sustained against Newcastle a month ago that increases Guardiola’s wish to wrap him up in cotton wool.
‘We were lucky he scored at the right moment. I was going to change him in any case,’ said the City manager with a smile. ‘Sergio is struggling a bit with problems in his foot. He is not in the best condition and we are trying to control it but he needs time.
‘We have two games left before the international break. Hopefully he can play them and then rest. We spoke today about playing him for an hour.’
Aguero even helped set up the opening goal after 29 minutes, setting Leroy Sane free down the left before his low cross was tapped in by Sterling.
Brighton seemed keen on damage limitation, with their manager Chris Hughton saying afterwards: ‘For a club like ours, you can lose big here.’
So City hogged 71-per-cent possession and won with comfort.