City return to winning ways with West Brom blitz

Pep Guardiola's men end a run of six games without a win with a superb display against West Brom What Happened? City were at their scintillating best for long periods and West Brom struggled to cope. Two first-half goals from Sergio Aguero put the game beyond too much doubt. His first was a lethal finish from close range after a wonderful throughball from Ilkay Gundogan; his second a long-range bender that flew into the top corner and gave Ben Foster no chance. Aguero turned provider late on, setting up Gundogan to score from inside the area, before the German bagged his second with one minute remaining. Gundogan, who was superb throughout, totally deserved his moment in the spotlight. It was the fourth game in succession City have scored at least three at the Hawthorns and the result sees them move back to the top of the Premier League after temporarily dropping to second following Arsenal’s win away at Sunderland. Key Moment Aguero’s first. City were dominant in the early stages – but Aguero’s goal, which saw them lead for the first time in seven matches, settled them and saw their dominance increase. Soon after, the away fans were singing Guardiola’s name and the players were expressing themselves and playing with freedom – keeping the ball superbly and moving it inventively. Man of the Match: Sergio Aguero Aguero gave another masterclass in finishing. The Argentine has now scored 13 goals this season. He has 149 for City and has moved up to sixth on the club’s list of all-time leading scorers. He also finds himself 20th on the list of the Premier League’s all-time leading scorers, one behind Emile Heskey and two behind Dion Dublin. He’s absolutely lethal. What Next? They don’t come much bigger than City’s next fixture. On Tuesday, Barcelona visit the Etihad Stadium for a crucial Champions League game. Guardiola will be thrilled to see his side click again ahead of what is likely to be a stern test. Stat of the Day Aguero is just five goals short of becoming City’s third all-time leading scorer.

MATCH REPORT:

West Bromwich (0): Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Nyom; Chadli, Fletcher, Evans, Brunt, McClean; Rondon. Manchester City (4): Bravo; Fernando, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Gundogan, Silva, Sterling, Nolito; Agüero. Goals: Agüero 19', 28', Gündogan 79', 90' Referee: Lee Mason. Bookings: Olsson, Dawson, Mc Clean; Fernando, Kolarov, Nolito