Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling paid tribute to the lethal quality of Sergio Aguero after the striker struck a sublime hat-trick in City's 6-0 thrashing of Watford.

The treble took the Argentine to within three goals of becoming the Club’s all-time leading goal-scorer with Aguero now having bagged a remarkable 175 goals since joining City in 2011. 

Gundogan, who made a welcome return to action as a second half substitute after nine months on the sidelines, described Aguero as a ‘goal-scoring machine’. 

 And Sterling, who rounded off a magnificent City performance by slotting home from the penalty spot, echoed the German’s praise of Aguero’s incredible goal-scoring prowess. 

HEAD BOY: Sergio Aguero powers City into the lead with his first goal
HEAD BOY: Sergio Aguero powers City into the lead with his first goal

“He’s very special, just a goal machine,” said Gundogan. “His last goal was incredible, it showed all his talent and how powerful he is. We need him and hopefully he’ll score a lot more goals.”

Sterling was also hugely complimentary, adding: “You can see every game that if you give Sergio a chance, nine times out of ten it’s a goal.” 

The demolition job on the previously unbeaten Watford rounded off a perfect week for Pep Guardiola’s side which saw them score 15 goals and concede none in the course of wins over Liverpool, Feyenoord and the Hornets. 

SPOT ON: Raheem Sterling celebrates after netting from the penalty spot
SPOT ON: Raheem Sterling celebrates after netting from the penalty spot

And both Gundogan and Sterling believe there is more to come. 

“I don’t know if it was perfect - after a tough week with the Champions League and the travelling, the way we played was just amazing. We just need to continue like that,” added Gundogan. 

“Everyone’s buzzing. It was a great performance,” said Sterling. “We got the ball and we were really clinical today, that’s what the manager wants and that’s what we were.”