England goalkeeper Joe Hart has backed Argentine striker Sergio Aguero as a massive plus one for Manchester City in their bid for the second consecutive Premier League title.
Aguero made his comeback on Saturday and with Wilfried Bony soon to arrive Hart feels City has the firepower required to retain their crown.
Aguero showed what City lacked in their recent encounter with Everton. Had he started the game in a fit and fired-up state, the visitors would have made short work of this windswept encounter with spirited but still inhibited Everton, the Mirror reported.
However, City did not performed badly without Aguero, scoring 16 goals in winning six of their seven matches, but Everton proved to be the sort of examination where a pass was required to justify any title aspirations.
But, City failed, with their manager Manuel Pellegrini admitting that they finished very bad.
Bony, who joined City for 28 million pounds, might not return from Africa Cup of Nations duty until mid-February if Ivory Coast reach the final.
With Bony and Aguero together, City would have two of the best finishers in the game.
Aguero was used only as a second-half substitute, and looked rusty after his month-long lay-off. The striker has returned at the right time though, with City facing even tougher tests this month.
Three years ago, City felt if they were in touching distance of the top when Yaya Toure returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, they would win it. This time around, the omens are the same as Aguero returns, according to goalkeeper Hart.
Hart said that there is a similar feeling about Aguero, adding that the Argentine is a massive plus for them. He said that with the boys back and Edin Dzeko fit as well, City is going to get goals.
Hart added that if they continue to create chances like this, they know they would score with those players coming back. He said that with Stevan Jovetic, they are three key players, and one feels it with players like that missing.
So, Hart said that City is in a good place with Aguero, Bony and Jovetic coming back.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
