Aguero scores brace in Man City's 4-1 rout of Sunderland to take PL goal tally to 14

Argentine striker Sergio Aguero fired two goals to take his Premier League tally to 14 during Manchester City's 4-1 win over Sunderland helping the club record its third straight top-flight wins.

Sunderland went ahead when striker Connor Wickham fired past Joe Hart while under pressure from Pablo Zabaleta in the 19th minute, but Aguero equalised his effort two minutes later with a fierce 16-yard finish.

Stevan Jovetic then fired through former City keeper Costel Pantilimon's legs to open the lead for City in six minutes before half-time. Zabaleta increased the lead to two with a fine chip before Aguero completed the rout, The BBC reported.

City's performance was every bit as convincing as the scoreline, with Manuel Pellegrini's side rejuvenated as they head towards the festive programme with growing belief.

The defending champions remain six points behind leaders Chelsea in second place, but the damaging early season blips against Stoke City, West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers seem a long time ago now.

However, City still insists on doing things the hard way, coming from behind in three of their last four games in league and cup to earn a quartet of victories.

Sunderland manager Gus Poyet said that he cannot have too many complaints, adding that the City squad was better than his side in every aspect of the game.

Poyet said that his side started well, but then Aguero appeared from nowhere and did something special. He claimed that sometimes one cannot complain too much, adding that City were quicker and better technically.