The England global scored the opening goal of a brilliant last 16 first leg encounter but then saw Monaco hit back to take a 3-2 lead early in the second half. That is my target – we are not going to defend the result.
Advertisement
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 26 minute in this chaotic game, before it soon became 1-1, courtesy the man who flopped in the English Premier League – Radamel Falcao. Those watching at home will also look back on the game in the same way we talk about the Newcastle/Liverpool classics.
Falcao matched Aguero with two goals but missed a penalty kick, saved by Willy Caballero, that would have put Monaco up 3-1.
City were frustrated – none more so than Pep Guardiola on the touchline – but things got worse five minutes later when Monaco completed the turnaround through Kylian Mbappe, who ran clear of Nicolas Otamendi before firing the ball into the roof of the net. City are very warm favourites to take a lead back to the south of France but I do feel that the chance of the visitors has been very much underplayed.
Monaco’s performance confirmed their status as Europe’s most prolific attacking team and gave Jardim hope they can turn the tie around in three weeks’ time.
“If one team can score a thousand-million goals, it’s Monaco”, Guardiola said.
“As I’ve always said, I want to be here at the club, I’ve always said that, at the end of the season, it won’t be my decision”, Aguero said on Tuesday, as quoted by the Daily Mail. “I am happy for him, he is a good professional and a nice guy, and back at his level scoring goals”.
“We think in attack”. We now know each other better. That’s why they’re top of the league. And that’s part of our project as well. City’s defence was shaky at best throughout the clash against Leonardo Jardim’s men but they managed to finish the match with an all-important two-goal cushion.
The Brazilian striker bagged a hat-trick, which ultimately made Manchester United’s highly entertaining victory worthless, and earned him a standing ovation from the home crowd. Aguero is also a world-class forward. “It is very important for people who have to evaluate us and criticise us to see we are going in right direction”. With Manchester City begging for a penalty, referee Antonio Mateu instead disciplined Aguero. First there is the second leg to play.
If City try to shut up shop, they will lose The graphic showing average position of touches by Manchester City and Monaco players illustrates how attack-minded both teams were. “Up and downs. We attacked quite good, our build up was quite slow but it was not easy because Monaco are so organized”.
Advertisement
“Of course we have to improve”.
