City boss Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on striker Sergio Aguero after he scored two goals to help the Sky Blues thrash Bournemouth 4-0 on Saturday.

The brace means that Aguero has now scored 101 goals in all competitions at the Etihad, a stat that Guardiola believes makes him a ‘legend’ at the club.

The victory against the south-coast side and United’s draw with Leicester means City now sit at the top of the table by a whopping 13 points, surely enough already to call them Champions despite it being so early in the season.

However, Guardiola insists his side are still a long way short of perfection.

“It was so tough because they played five at the back and 10 players behind, with just [Callum] Wilson in front, marking Fernandinho, so the spaces were almost impossible to find,” he explained.

“We were lucky to score the first goal and after the second we controlled, we played with more calm. And then in the last 20 minutes they played, they pushed up and after that we played really well again.

“So another good performance. We were ready mentally again. But in football, always you can improve. Individually and collectively. It’s not a target to be perfect – that doesn’t exist in the world. Always you can improve. We know that.

“But of course we’re so happy for the victory, 17 games in a row. Just now it’s a good, merry Christmas.”

Aguero also got a special mention from the manager, who labelled him a legend.

“Sergio is a special player,” said Guardiola. “A legend. And I’m so happy when he plays good and scores goal.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]