Manchester City made it two wins out of two under Pep Guardiola after a convincing 5-0 win away to Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. Star of the show was Sergio Aguero, who netted a hat-trick, but only after he managed to miss not one, but two penalties.
Aguero’s first spot-kick miss came within the first 10 minutes, after the impressive Raheem Sterling had been felled in the box. The Argentinian saw that penalty saved but soon after, the Citizens took the lead on 13 minutes, after David Silva was set up by Sterling.
Aguero then had another chance to convert a penalty, after Aleksandar Kolarov was fouled. However, this time the 28-year-old’s effort hit the bar and went over. Here’s both spot-kicks…
Agüero misses 2 penalties in the first 20 minutes pic.twitter.com/ipGtpMcuRL
— Terje (@GoonerTerje) August 16, 2016
The goals did eventually come for Aguero, firstly on 41 minutes after another Sterling assist.
The Citizens were in the cruise control now, and soon after the re-start, Nolito bagged his first goal for the club.
Late on, Aguero netted another two goals, firstly after neat interplay with Nolito.
What. A. Goal. Aguero makes it 4-0! [@GoonerTerje] pic.twitter.com/otQmXI2ns7
— ManCityPhotos (@ManCityPhotos) August 16, 2016
Finally, Aguero got his hat-trick after running at the Bucharest defence before firing home.
The Guardiola effect? @ManCity are looking frightening as @aguerosergiokun makes it 5-0. 🔥 #UCL https://t.co/eCCGSVY20u
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) August 16, 2016
The result all but puts City into the group stages of the Champions League proper as the Guardiola revolution continues. Although while the future looks rosy for the club, Joe Hart’s destiny surely lies elsewehere, with the England ‘keeper once again left on the bench.