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Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as Manchester City moved top of the table and inflicted a heavy defeat on Watford.
Previously unbeaten Watford could have also topped the Premier League with a win against Pep Guardiola’s side, but they were undone by City’s prolific attack who have now scored 15 goals in three matches.
Aguero headed home a Kevin de Bruyne free-kick before tapping in from close range four minutes later to make it 2-0, after brilliant build-up play from Gabriel Jesus and a final pass from David Silva.
Jesus added a third before half-time – his fifth of the season – when he drilled home from Aguero’s cut-back, despite tame calls for offside from the Hornets defence.
Watford had kept three clean sheets this season, and came out reinvigorated after half-time, with Andre Carrillo and Richarlison both having decent chances.
But City continued to push forward and added three more.
Nicolas Otamendi headed in David Silva’s corner before Aguero completed his hat-trick when he poked home after a pulsating solo run into the box.
Raheem Sterling completed the rout from the penalty spot, after he was brought down by Christian Kabasele.
City turn on the style
Talks of a hangover from a midweek trip to Feyenoord in the Champions League were quickly put to bed when Manchester City got started at Vicarage Road.
Guardiola’s side controlled possession throughout, and returned from the half-time break wanting more even after taking a 3-0 first-half lead.
City had 28 shots in total with 10 on target – five in each half – while individually, David Silva had 88 touches, completing 93% of his passes with two assists, and De Bruyne also impressed making four key passes and setting up the opener.
But Aguero was the one man who impressed the most.
Aguero closes in on all-time City record
Aguero was in uncompromising form in front of goal once again, and he has now scored nine goals in six games against the Hornets.
Guardiola particularly enjoyed the 29-year-old’s third goal, where he received the ball from Kyle Walker, ran past several yellow shirts and maintained his composure to sneak the ball home from an acute angle.
“His numbers speak for themselves,” said the City manager after the game. “I’m so happy for the third goal because he’s so clever in the box. He’s able to score a goal at any point.”
Aguero’s hat-trick – his sixth in the Premier League and 10th for City – has moved the Argentine only two away from Manchester City’s all-time scoring record of 177, set by Eric Brook between 1928 and 1940.
BBC Sports