Friendship on hold for Aguero bid
SERGIO AGUERO wants to get one over on his old friend Gonzalo Higuain to ensure Manchester
City lift their first trophy of the season in the Carabao Cup Final. The City striker has already won the bragging rights over Higuain’s Chelsea by scoring a hat-trick against them in a 6-0 drubbing last weekend at the Etihad.
But there is no chance of the Argentine star easing up at Wembley next Sunday against his international team-mate.
Aguero said: “This competition is the first opportunity to lift a trophy this season and we do not want to waste it.
“But I know, of course, what Gonzalo can do because he is a great striker. I have known him for many years and he has won trophies in all the countries he has played in. I’m certain he will also do well in England.”
Higuain made an instant impact after joining Chelsea, scoring twice on his home debut in a 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield. And although it all went wrong against City, Aguero has no doubts about his qualities.
Between them the pair have garnered 164 caps for Argentina, scored 70 international goals and amassed 20 major trophies.
“He is a good all-round striker,” said the City man. “He is good with his feet and with his head. “We have known each other a long time. I met him when we played in Argentina in 2005.
“He played with River Plate and I was with Independiente.
“Then we met again in Spain when I was at Atletico and he was at Real Madrid.
“Also of course we have played together with Argentina, many times.”
TYesterday it was The Kid, the one player in the City ranks who didn’t cost a penny.
Phil Foden scored two superb second-half goals to finally demolish a brave and brilliant display from the minnows of League Two.
For so long it was a tough match for City and when Newport scored to make it 2-1 on 88 minutes the roar could be heard across the Severn Bridge. Sadly, for manager Michael Flynn and his players, it prompted two late goals from the reigning Premier League champions.
There are 82 places between the clubs in the football pyramid and a far more profound gulf in finances – Newport’s team cost £50,000 in transfer fees while City’s starting XI yesterday was bought for £320million.
Out on the pitch, where it matters, the gap had negligible impact in the opening period as the minnows matched the billionaires for effort, ambition and chances created.
City keeper Ederson is normally a model of excellence on the ball, refusing to panic in possession. His first touch here was to boot the ball over the stand and out of the ground.
Safety first seemed to be the message. His second touch was a long hoof up field.
His third touch, though, was outstanding, a brilliant diving save to keep out a header from Tyreeq Bakinson in the 14th minute.
The opportunity was set up by a long throw-in from Mickey Demetriou that was flicked on by striker Jamille Matt.
A few minutes later a similar long throw caused more havoc in the City box but Joss Labadie fired the loose ball wide of goal.
Maybe it wasn’t so surprising that Demetriou is an expert thrower
– he is a good cricketer who once played at Lord’s in the Village
Cup Final. The atmosphere at the Rodney Parade ground was electric as Newport not only survived, but thrived.
They had been selling souvenir scarves on the footbridge across the river from the town centre, emblazoned with the slogan: ‘Flynn v Pep – I was there’.
It felt like an occasion for the ages, watching from the stands as Newport’s defenders dealt superbly for the most part with City’s quicksilver passing style – blocking crosses, closing down angles, and with barely any fouls. Guardiola had given a stern pre-match warning to his players about focusing on this game rather than a Champions League tie in midweek, and the manager’s serious intent was evident with the selection of Fernandinho.
The Brazilian midfielder was the hub of City’s play, twice shooting wide from long range and prompting their best moments.
Guardiola was deeply unimpressed and City were a different proposition following his half-time words of