Manchester City bounced back from the defeat against Liverpool, which was their first of the season in Premier League, to beat Newcastle United 3-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Sergio Aguero.
Aguero’s hat-trick saw the Argentine overtake Raheem Sterling as City’s leading scorer in the Premier League this season, with Jacob Murphy’s second half goal scant consolation for Rafa Benitez’s side.
The two teams poised in reflection before kick-off as the Etihad celebrated the life of pioneer Cyrille Regis – who passed away during the week at the age of 59.
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City made two changes from the side beaten in the Premier League for the first time in 281 days at Anfield. David Silva replaced Ilkay Gundogan in midfield, with Oleksandr Zinchenko coming in for his first Premier League start at left-back, in place of the injured Fabian Delph.
Rafa Benitez made four changes to the side that started last weekend’s 1-1 home draw with Swansea. DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Perez and Dwight Gayle all dropped to the bench, with Javi Manquillo, Jacob Murphy, Isaac Hayden and Joselu coming in.
Newcastle visitors started brightly, Jonjo Shelvey’s quick thinking from a free-kick allowing Christian Atsu to put in the first dangerous cross of the game. Ciaran Clark scuffed his effort into the hands of Ederson however after a good clearing header from Zinchenko.