New Delhi: Sergio Aguero scored four second-half goals to help Manchester City thrash Leicester City 5-1 in the English Premier League and extend their lead at top of the points table.
Raheem Sterling had given City an early lead on Saturday but Leicester went into the break on level terms thanks to Jamie Vardy’s equaliser. However, Aguero took centre stage with a finishing masterclass to take his tally in City’s last seven home games to 14 goals as Guardiola’s side moved 16 points clear. Meanwhile, Aguero now has 28 goals in all competitions this season — eight more than Sterling.
“An authentic legend of this club,” said Guardiola of his prolific Argentine striker.
“In the second half, he scored four goals. Sergio is like this, he has a special talent in the box. He’s clinical… especially the third one and fourth one are amazing.”
Guardiola believes the win was “one of the best” performances his players have produced since he took over at City but urged them not to let their intensity drop.
“My advice for the players is not to think how many games are left, just to look to the next one,” he said.
“Every time we dropped points this season, the next game we won, which is so, so important. Keeping that consistency is so important for us. If we are able to win the title it will be something special for us.”
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur pulled off a difficult 1-0 win over Arsenal to provisionally jump to the third spot in the EPL table.
After a goalless first half, Tottenham star Harry Kane scored the winner just four minutes after retaking the field.
Although Arsenal fought to get on the scoreboard, they failed to make good on the chances they had toward the end of the match, suffering their eighth defeat this season.
Provisionally in third place, Tottenham now have 52 points after going unbeaten in the past nine rounds, one point ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool and two points ahead of Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arsenal remain in sixth with 45 points.
Manchester City lead the EPL table with 69 points, 13 ahead of second-placed Manchester United. (With Agencies inputs)