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Men's Football Aguero hat-trick downs Huddersfield

A SERGIO Aguero hat-trick saw normal service resume for Manchester City in their first home game of the season yesterday. City’s all-time top scorer opened his account for the new campaign and now has 14 goals in his last eight games at Eastlands.

Pep Guardiola praised the Argentinian’s performance, saying he arrived in great shape this summer.

“Since he came back, I saw him from [the] first second — wow — he came back perfect. 

“It’s not just goals. It’s getting in spaces, assists, passes. When this happens Sergio is one of the best strikers in the world, without a doubt.”

The Catalan’s side attacked from the outset, launching men forward in attack including the buccaneering left-back Benjamin Mendy. Bernardo Silva drifted from the centre to the right wing, and the defensive line advanced into the opposition half.

Despite being known for intricate passing and neat build-up play, they have more than one trick. Goalkeeper Ederson offers another attacking weapon and City take advantage of the extraordinary power he can get in his long passes.

His booming goal kick found Aguero lurking behind the opposition defence and, once the striker beat Huddersfield goalkeeper Ben Hamer to the ball, leaving him stranded, he was able to chip into the back of the net.

The next two goals were scrappy due to the number of players the Terriers had defending their own box. Eleven luminous yellow shirts tried to protect the goal to no avail. 

Gabriel Jesus added the second following one of Mendy's many runs down the left. A failed tackle on the Frenchman from Tommy Smith saw the ball bobble into Jesus's path and he swept goalward. The City left back was again involved as a combination of Hamer and Jon Stankovic couldn't deal with his cross. Aguero was on hand to pick up the pieces.

David Wagner’s side gave their travelling fans something to cheer just before half-time when Stankovic scored from close range after Philip Billing’s long throw. The result was already decided, though, and David Silva’s free-kick just after the break added decoration to proceedings.

The rest of the afternoon was all about Aguero. He tested Hamer repeatedly, linking up with Jesus as well as creating chances for himself. He hit the post with one effort from outside the box, but was able to bag his hat-trick just before being replaced by Leroy Sane.

Mendy was the provider again, crossing to the danger area for the striker to flick the ball home. Sane then got in on the act, sprinting down the left and seeing his shot deflect in off Terence Kongolo to make it six.

Huddersfield boss Wagner was determined not to let the heavy defeat dampen spirits.

“We hoped for more, we didn’t expect more,” he said.

“We’ve suffered two defeats, but now the season starts for us with the home game against Cardiff. 

“All that counts is what’s in front of you. We leave this behind us, get it out of our system and look forward.”

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