Aguero and City put Monchengladbach to the sword

Sergio Aguero struck thrice as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City annihilated Borussia Monchengladbach at the Etihad.

Aguero, who is currently suspended from domestic action, opened the scoring after nine minutes, before doubling his effort from the penalty spot after 28 minutes before completing his treble after 77 minutes, Nigerian youngster Iheanacho also got on the scoresheet by adding a fourth.

It was another highly convincing performance by City, who did not even seem to get into top gear as they cruised to a seventh successive win under Pep Guardiola.

City, much like last weekend’s derby against Manchester United, were superb in the first half, with their movement quick and passing crisp and this time maintained their domination for longer.

Ilkay Gundogan, making his debut after David Silva dropped out of the side named for the original game as a precaution, the former Dortmund man playing his first game since suffering a knee injury in April, drove City forward and linked well with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling.

City took the lead with Aleksandar Kolarov driving a good low ball into the box and Aguero pouncing in typically clinical fashion from close range.

Further damage seemed likely as Fernandinho released De Bruyne with an incisive through ball and Aguero teed-up Gundogan but goalkeeper Yann Sommer beat away his shot.

Gundogan then turned provider for Sterling but Sommer took the sting out of the England winger’s drive and Tobias Strobl cleared.

Aguero shook off a knee injury after a collision with Nico Elvedi but he opted to continue after treatment, his decision was rewarded with a second goal as he struck from the spot after Gundogan was tripped on the edge of the area by Christoph Kramer.

Monchebgladbach enjoyed their best spell with Lars Strindl forcing a save out of Claudio Bravo just before the interval.

City went back on the offensive after the break and confusion in the Borussia box handed Aguero a chance but Sommer palmed over the crossbar. De Bruyne also tested the keeper with a low drive.

Sterling seemed certain to make it 3-0 after being sent clear by De Bruyne but delayed his shot and Sommer blocked.

But Aguero was not to be denied his hat-trick and showed great composure to guide the ball around Sommer and tap home.

He was replaced seven minutes from time to a huge ovation and his replacement Iheanacho fired in a fourth to cap a fine night for City.