Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as Manchester City cut Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points by beating Arsenal 3-1 at the Etihad. Aguero struck in the opening minute, restored City’s lead before half-time after Laurent Koscielny headed an equaliser and completed his treble early in the second half. Arsenal were the architects of their own downfall just 48 seconds in, failing to clear and enabling Aymeric Laporte to cross for Aguero, who headed past Bernd Leno from close range. City were playing at a high tempo and there were appeals for a penalty moments later when Aguero tangled with Shkodran Mustafi, referee Martin Atkinson waving them away. The goal came when Sterling combined brilliantly with IlkayGundogan to deliver a cross that Aguero converted from close range, and it could have been 3-1 moments later when De Bruynefizzed an effort wide.

Source: Punch February 04, 2019 01:07 UTC