Pellegrini lauds Aguero after FA Cup escape

Sergio’s a top player. The first idea was for him not to play 90 minutes. But he had to play the whole match. He made the difference, says Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

MANCHESTER: Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini underlined the importance of striker Sergio Aguero following his hat-trick in the 4-2 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Watford.

Aguero took his goal tally to six in four games since his month-long lay-off with a calf injury as City came from 0-2 down to overcome Watford on Saturday and book a place in the fifth round.

With a place in the League Cup final secured and a last-16 tie with Barcelona in the Champions League on the horizon, City remain on course to win four competitions in Pellegrini’s first season at
the club.

And with Aguero having now scored 25 goals in 24 games across all competitions, it is clear that the in-form forward will be integral to City’s success.

“Sergio’s a top player, very important for us,” said Pellegrini. “The first idea was for him not to play 90 minutes. But he had to play the whole match. He made the difference.”

Rodgers impressed by Liverpool’s improvement

Brendan Rodgers believes Liverpool’s ruthless FA Cup victory at Bournemouth demonstrates how far his side have come since last season’s shock exit at the hands of League One minnows Oldham.

Rodgers’ team claimed a place in the fifth round after safely negotiating a testing trip, eventually overcoming Eddie Howe’s battling Championship side 2-0 thanks to goals from Victor Moses and Daniel Sturridge.

Manager Rodgers believes the comparison between his side’s cup campaign this year and last term highlights the improvement amongst his squad.

“We are really improving not only in our football idea but also the character within the team,” he said. “We are showing a lot of good traits