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Aguero back to his best in Palace rout

4 Manchester City
0 Crystal Palace
by James Nalton
at Eastlands

MANCHESTER CITY cruised to a 4-0 win against Crystal Palace at Eastlands on Saturday, with a brace from Sergio Aguero giving strong hints that the striker is back to his best.

It could have been a different story had Damien Delaney directed his early headed chance anywhere but straight at Joe Hart, as Palace threatened constantly from attacking set pieces but were unable to make them count on the scoresheet.

Fabian Delph opened the scoring when his shot from distance found its way under Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal. The Wales number one will no doubt believe he should have done better.

19-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho started in City’s attack, buzzing around Aguero in Pellegrini’s 4-2-2-2 formation. His short pass to Aguero led to their second goal when the Argentine’s shot from distance deflected off the head of Scott Dann and past Hennessey.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini spoke of his forward pair after the game. “Kelechi is an important player for us.

Every chance he has he takes it and he takes it positively. I think he has a bright future in this football club.”

He added that “Kun [Aguero] is making all the movement he does when he’s 100 per cent fit. For our team it’s very important to have the top players at 100 per cent.”

The home side were only strolling, but still winning comfortably. In the second half they punished Palace who at times looked like they’d given up hope of getting anything from this game.

The third goal was the pick of the bunch, and came about when David Silva tenaciously won the ball back on the left. A clinical move involving the Spaniard, substitute Yaya Toure and Kevin De Bruyne, led to a tap in for Aguero who had continued his run into the box having been involved earlier in the move. It was a team goal worthy of champions.

Aguero rounded off his display late in the game. After beating Joel Ward for pace on the counter-attack he had the opportunity to complete his hat-trick, but instead squared the ball unselfishly to Silva who took a touch before scoring.

Palace manager Alan Pardew felt the scoreline flattered City. “The first goal Wayne should save, the second goal’s a deflection and we didn’t deserve to be 2-0 down at half time. Second half we tried to take it to City but made a mistake, and they punish you.”

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