Sergio Aguero has warned Manchester City’s title rivals he will do everything in his power to fire the club to Premier League glory this season.
Aguero scored a hat-trick in City’s FA Cup fourth-round win over Watford to take his goal tally so far this term to a remarkable 25 from 24 appearances.
While Aguero’s second-half treble once again showcased his sublime skills, more significantly the goals spared City’s blushes after Manuel Pellegrini’s team trailed 2-0 against second-tier Watford.
Pellegrini, whose side continue their challenge for the Premier League title at Tottenham on Wednesday, later branded City’s defending in the 4-2 win as a “disaster” and said he could have made 11 substitutions at halftime.
Fortunately for the City manager, Aguero is in the form of his life and shows little sign of being slowed by the calf injury that sidelined him during the Christmas period.
Since returning to fitness, Aguero has scored six times in four matches to keep City firmly in the hunt for an unprecedented quadruple trophy haul.
The 25-year-old is happy to take the plaudits when he shines, but he is more concerned with ensuring City finish the year with silverware.
“The important thing is the goals contribute to the team’s victories and we win titles,” Aguero said.
“I don’t have any specific goals to reach but (I want) as many as possible.
“We weren’t expecting to score four goals. We knew at halftime we needed to improve and in the end we won and we have made it to the next round. We are happy with that.”
City travel to White Hart Lane unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions and having scored 22 goals in their previous five games.
But Pellegrini’s team will have to maintain that blistering pace to keep in touch with leaders Arsenal, who have been in fine form themselves.
The Gunners can open up a four-point lead at the top if they win at Southampton on Tuesday, leaving City with little margin for error when they arrive in north London.
Fifth-placed Tottenham should pose a stern test to City’s title credentials after improving quickly under new manager Tim Sherwood.
Sherwood, who replaced the sacked Andre Villas-Boas in December, has masterminded five wins in his six league matches in charge and his team are desperate to avenge the embarrassing 6-0 loss they suffered against City at Eastlands in November.