Sergio Aguero hits hat-trick as Manchester City flog Arsenal

Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick earned Manchester City a 3-1 home victory over Arsenal to take them to within two points of the Premier League summit.

Aguero opened the scoring after 46 seconds, after Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in the penalty area, and the Argentinian met Aymeric Laporte’s cross with a headlong dive.

Arsenal levelled from a set-piece on 11 minutes, Nacho Monreal flicking on Lucas Torreira’s corner for Laurent Koscielny to head in from close range.

But City reclaimed the lead a minute before half-time from a delightful team move. Ilkay Gundogan picked out Raheem Sterling with a lofted pass and Aguero dispatched the winger’s first-time pass.

Aguero became only the second player to reach 10 PL hat-tricks, after Alan Shearer, when he finished off more great approach play on the left by Sterling in the 61st minute.

Victory takes City second, with 59 points, two fewer than leaders Liverpool, who visit West Ham United on Monday.

Arsenal slip to sixth place, a point behind Manchester United, and three behind fourth-placed Chelsea.