Sergio Aguero runs amok as Man City see off a Malaysia XI 3-1. A dazzling solo goal and a couple of assists served Fantasy managers a devastating reminder of his current form, with Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson also finding the net. Scans reveal Gareth Bale looks to have escaped serious injury after Charlie Adam’s challenge in Spurs’ friendly with Liverpool last Saturday:
Malaysia XI 1 Man City 3
After Vincent Kompany flew home on Sunday to be treated for a calf problem, Roberto Mancini reshuffled his defensive options for yesterday’s match with a Malaysia XI. City kept faith in their new 3-5-2 formation once again and, with Pablo Zabaleta slotting into the back-three – Adam Johnson was handed a rare starting role on the right flank, Yaya Toure maintained his attacking central midfield role, while Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez started up front once again.
As City’s fitness increases with every passing game, Aguero’s influence continues to grow. Yesterday, he produced a masterclass and played a part in all three of his side’s goals – a clear indication of his menace ahead of the new season. Within the first 10 minutes he had a goal disallowed for offside and also hit the bar before a fantastic solo effort opened the scoring on 17 minutes; dancing round four opposition defenders, the Argentine found the net after executing a deft chip over the keeper to grab his second in the past three games.
City went in at the break one up but Aguero then turned creator just three minutes into the second-half, teeing up Tevez for the second. Only four minutes later, the former Atletico Madrid was at it again – this time a superb chip found Johnson inside the box and the winger wrong-footed the keeper to notch City’s third. Roberto Mancini made six changes as the game progressed and, much to the home side’s relief, withdrew Aguero after 70 minutes; the hosts’ late consolation failed to take the shine off a strong display from the Premier League champions, who have now won three in a row and conceded a single goal in their last four matches.
Post-match, Mancini revealed that Kompany’s calf problem is “nothing seriousâ€, while going on to praise the performances of his front pair ahead of the new season, saying:
We were confident two weeks ago and I’m even more confident today. Sergio played very well and his partnership with Carlos has continued from last season. They scored a goal each today which is good. Hopefully we can continue his good form in the coming season.
Man City Starting XI: Pantilimon (Johansen 75); Savic, K Toure (Boyata 76), Zabaleta; A Johnson, Razak, Y Toure (Scapuzzi 58), Suarez (Evans 64) , Kolarov; Tevez (Mancini 76), Aguero (Lopes 70)
In Other News…
Reports in the Mail suggest Gareth Bale has escaped serious injury after Charlie Adam’s tackle in Spurs’ goalless draw with Liverpool on Saturday. The Welshman has returned to light training after scans allayed fears of a possible lengthy absence ahead of the new season – Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas played down the suggestion of the matter being reported to the FA but once again called for Adam to make an apology:
Needless to say, we are extremely relieved Gareth has not been seriously injured. There is previous history between the two players on the challenge that was done I think three years ago. Will we take it any further? We are discussing it within the club but in my opinion, the matter is dealt. But it would be extremely human for Charlie to come out with an apology. But you can’t force people to say anything and we will have to wait and see.
