SPOTTY.. BUT IT’S ENOUGH

Sergio keeps his cool as City claim another penalty triumph

SERGIO AGUERO kept his cool from the penalty spot to ensure Manchester City stayed within a point of title rivals Liverpool.

Aguero bagged his 25th goal of the season with a clinicallytaken spot-kick as Pep Guardiola’s side secured a deserved, but hard-earned, win.

The penalty that yielded victory may have been soft, with Bernardo Silva going down after minimal contact from Felipe Anderson, but Aguero did his bit to keep them in the title hunt.

This was far from vintage City, their task made difficult by a West Ham side well-drilled by former Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini, who was making his first return to the Etihad Stadium.

City were in control from the start – West Ham forced back and into a policy of containment – as the Blues probed in search of the opening goal their dominance warranted.

Kevin De Bruyne played an exquisite pass with the outside of his right foot to David Silva, who pulled the ball back for Ilkay Gundogan, but City’s finishing was awry, as he scooped his effort over. Aguero appealed for a penalty in the 25th minute, after his shot on target hit Angelo Ogbonna’s right elbow and went behind for a corner, but referee Stuart Attwell was not swayed by the City striker’s pleas.

Riyad Mahrez, making his first Premier League start since December 30, had a miserable night and his withdrawal after 55 minutes – replaced by Raheem Sterling – was an act of mercy by Guardiola.

Samir Nasri also endured a tough time on his return to City, taken off at half-time for Manuel Lanzini, who created West Ham’s first chance moments after coming on, finding Andy Carroll, whose shot was blocked by Ederson.

The breakthrough for City came in the 59th minute, Bernardo drawing a foul from Anderson, moments after he had come on for Leroy Sane.

The decision looked harsh, but ref Attwell pointed to the spot and Aguero made sure he converted from the spot, sending Lucasz Fabianski the wrong way with his effort.

Silva saw an effort cleared off the line by Ryan Fredericks, while Sterling unleashed a goal-bound effort that Fabianski did well to punch clear, as City made sure of those vital three points.