Raheem Sterling paid special tribute to hat-trick hero Sergio Aguero after the Argentine led the way in Manchester City’s stunning 6-0 win over Chelsea at the Etihad.
Sterling himself weighed in with a fine brace of goals with Ilkay Gundogan also on target as City served up a stunning all-round display to leapfrog Liverpool and go back on top of the Premier League on goal difference.
Aguero’s treble saw him create yet another Club record, as he became City’s all-time record league goalscorer, his treble taking him to 160 goals.
It also saw the Argentine – who is the Club’s al-time leading goalscorer – draw level with Alan Shearer with 11 Premier League hat-tricks.
And Sterling said he and his City colleagues were also full of admiration for their special team-mate.
“Sergio is a player we depend on,” Sterling reflected after the full-time whistle.
“You saw with his first strike putting the ball in the top corner – you have to cherish players like that.
“It was a terrific performance from the team – the manager set us up and got us ready for the game.
“It was just a win and another three points. The most important thing is to get three points.”
For his part, Aguero was – as ever – modest about the latest chapter in his record-breaking achievements.
Said Kun: “I have to continue the same way, but it’s important to win,”
Ironically, Aguero could have had another goal as he missed a close-range effort in the first half.
But he more than made up for it with a stunning 25-yard effort for his opener before adding a quickfire second and then sealing his treble with a second half penalty.
Aguero added: “I don’t know, sometimes it happens. The next one I scored. The important thing is to get the ball and for the team to win.” mancity.com