Sergio Aguero moves closer to record in Manchester City’s rout of Crystal Palace
The Argentinian needs just one more goal to go level with Eric Brook.
Sergio Aguero moved within a goal of Manchester City’s all-time record as Pep Guardiola’s men thrashed bottom side Crystal Palace 5-0 in the Premier League.
Aguero headed a Leroy Sane cross through the grasp of Wayne Hennessey for his 176th goal in City colours during the second half of another commanding display at the Etihad Stadium.
The prolific Argentinian now needs just one more goal to equal the record tally of Eric Brook, which has stood since 1939.
Leaders City were already well on the way to victory when Aguero struck their fourth in the 79th minute after an opener from Sane and quickfire double from Raheem Sterling. Substitute Fabian Delph added a superb late fifth.
For Palace the misery continues, although they showed signs of looking more organised under the guidance of former England boss Roy Hodgson.
What they said
Tweet of the match
Star man – Leroy Sane
Sterling may have got a brace but in front of watching Germany manager Joachim Low it was Sane who really stood out having been preferred to Gabriel Jesus in City’s XI. Sane’s pace down the left caused Palace issues throughout and he showed a touch of class with the opening goal, which arrived after he lifted the ball over Scott Dann and poked beyond Wayne Hennessey.
Aguero made to wait
Aguero started the day just two goals shy of equalling City’s all-time scorer Eric Brook’s record of 177 for the club. The crowd certainly knew how close he was but it took him 79 minutes to get in on the act with his 176th City goal. Though there was not time for another, his day will come.
Stat of the match
By failing to score in their their sixth successive game, Palace set a new record for the longest goalless start to a top-flight season ever. Up next, a daunting trip to the other free-scoring Manchester club…
Player ratings
Who’s up next?
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk (Champions League, September 26)
Manchester United v Crystal Palace (Premier League, September 30)
