Man City ratings as hat-trick Sergio Aguero gets 9 against hapless Arsenal

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  • Sergio Aguero brushed aside Manchester City‘s midweek shock at the hands of Newcastle as his hat-trick heaped misery on Arsenal – who simply hate the sight of the men in sky blue.

    Having lost their last four fixtures to City by an aggregate score of 11-1, it took just 47 seconds for the same old story to start up again as Aguero headed in.

    There was brief hope for the Gunners through Laurent Koscielny’s own header, but Arsenal barely threatened from there on with Aguero putting the hosts back ahead after finishing off a wonderful team move.

    His third arrived after the break via his hand, but City were nevertheless well worth a 3-1 win that closes the gap behind leaders Liverpool to two points before the Reds visit West Ham on Monday. Our City ratings are below …

    Manchester City (4-3-3)

    Ederson – Could have brought out the deckchair in the first half. Will be frustrated that another clean sheet eluded him. 6

    Kyle Walker – Walker’s week will be remembered for his Liverpool-teasing deleted tweet rather than this subdued performance. 6

    Fernandinho – Part of the reason City were so dominant is because Fernandinho stepped out of defence when they were in possession. It was hardly fair. 7

    Nicolas Otamendi – We don’t see too much of Otamendi nowadays. We didn’t see much of Aubameyang or Lacazette on Sunday because of him. 7

    Aymeric Laporte – His first-half started with the assist for Aguero’s opener, and he ended it having made the most passes in the final third. A finished product, be it left-back or centre-back. 8

    Kevin De Bruyne – Would City be closer to Liverpool if KDB had been fit all season? You bet. Still not at his best, but makes the near-impossible happen. 7

    Ilkay Gundogan – Arsenal barely had a chance of note meaning Gundogan was barely tested as the anchor, and could focus on ticking the ball over. 6

    David Silva – Made some eye-catching dribbles and could have an assist or two if not for last-ditch defending. Few players around with such a high floor. 7

    Bernardo Silva – Never gives his press victim a moment’s peace, though uncharacteristically he overhit the final pass several times. 6

    Sergio Aguero – If Aguero wasn’t in the mix for the EPL’s best-ever striker beforehand, he certainly is now. Now 30, but as agile as when he first entered the league in 2011. 9

    Raheem Sterling – Lichtsteiner versus Sterling? It was never going to be fair and the City flyer took full advantage, teeing up two assists for Aguero. 9

    SUBSTITUTES

    Gabriel Jesus (81′) – It was a surprise that Guardiola didn’t save Aguero’s legs sooner with Everton in midweek – not much time for Jesus to impress. N/A

    Riyad Mahrez (89′) – Had a pop at the end, on for De Bruyne, as City hunted for a fourth. N/A

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