Sergio Aguero plays down heroics after Manchester City get back on track
The Argentinian has scored 14 goals in 12 games against the Magpies.
Sergio Aguero played down his own heroics after Manchester City got their title charge moving again with victory over his favourite whipping boys Newcastle.
The Argentinian proved the scourge of Newcastle yet again by scoring a hat-trick as Premier League leaders City ran out 3-1 winners at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Aguero put five past the Magpies in one game in 2015 and his latest treble – his second of the season – took his overall tally against them to 14 in 12 games.
But it was City’s return to winning ways, after last week’s first league loss of the season at Liverpool, that most pleased Aguero.
“They were really important for us and that is really going to help us a lot in the race for the Premier League.”
City’s victory prevented any further erosion of what remains a formidable 12-point lead at the top of the table.
Sterling also hit the post as City dominated but Newcastle gave themselves hope with a fine breakaway goal from Jacob Murphy.
Those hopes were extinguished by Aguero, who completed a ‘perfect’ hat-trick of header, right and left-foot strikes, after a mazy Leroy Sane run seven minutes from time.
After the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, Aguero felt City found a level they now need to maintain.
“It is going to depend on us,” said Aguero, whose performance was a timely reminder of his ability after the club recently pulled out of a deal for Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.
“We have a good team, we are in good shape. I think if we keep going the same way, the Premier League will be easier for us to win in the end.”
Newcastle’s loss left them just above the relegation zone at a time of uncertainty at St James’ Park following reports last week that takeover talks had collapsed.
Dummett told the club’s website, www.nufc.co.uk: “I think against Man City, twice, we’ve performed, even though we defended quite a lot of the time. I think we have frustrated them.
“They’re quite a lot clear in the league now. You can’t say they’re definitely going to win it but they’re probably the best team I’ve played against in my career. We can learn a lot off them, watching what they do.”