Pep Guardiola praises Manchester City “legend” Sergio Aguero

Pep Guardiola praised Manchester City “legend” Sergio Aguero, after the striker moved within three goals of the club’s all-time record.

The Argentina forward scored his sixth Premier League hat-trick as City beat Watford 6-0 on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has 175 goals since joining City in 2011, with Eric Brook holding the club record of 177 goals.

“Hopefully that [the record] will happen very soon, and we can have a big celebration,” said Guardiola.

Ex-England winger Brook, who was at City from 1928-1940, scored his goals in 494 appearances. Aguero has scored his goals in 259 games.

Guardiola added: “He’s a legend, and it’s a part of history in the club. Aguero’s numbers speak for themselves – he is amazing,”

Aguero’s hat-trick put him on 127 Premier League goals, moving him above Robbie Keane and Nicolas Anelka and level with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the competition’s all-time list.

Former England striker and record Premier League goalscorer Alan Shearer challenged Aguero to get 30 league goals this season, with the Argentine on five goals in five games.

Aguero has scored 20-plus goals in four of the past six seasons, 26 being his highest tally in the 2014-15 campaign.

Ex-Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was the latest player to score 30, in the 2013-14 season. While Tottenham striker Harry Kane was the Premier League’s top scorer in the past two seasons with 29 and 25 goals.

“Aguero does two things really well. When he goes short he takes a defender into an area he’s not comfortable with” said  Phil Neville

“But when he runs in behind it’s very difficult because he’s so small with a low centre of gravity.”

“Watford could not get near Aguero,” added Shearer . “It was a top performance. For a centre-forward to play in this City team must be an absolute dream, with the chances created and the pace going forward.

“I think you are looking for Aguero to get 30 league goals this year with City going forward.”