Despite missing two penalties, the first saved and second powered over Sergio Kun Aquero proved his worth in the field when he netted thrice to add to the goals by Nolito and David Silva in thrilling 5-0 win over Steaua Bucuresti.
The Nolito-Sterling-Aguero (NSA) combination looked pacey and untouchable as they cruised past the defense of Steaua. Sterling looked more of a threat with his pace winning balls from defense mistakes, curling the defenders in and out before making blameless passes which twice resulted to goals.
Manchester City played their first leg of their Champions League qualification play-off against Steaua Bucharest away and await the second leg is in Manchester on Wednesday, 24 August, with the winners reaching the group stage.
With Aquero apologizing for the missed penalty, his coach, Pep Guardiola said that he has faith in him for the spot kicks.
After the game, Pep Guardiola was quick to praise his side’s performance and said that he was satisfied with the way they played.
He said that it was a great performance from the players and also touched on Sergio Aguero’s penalty misses by saying that it was good that the player was able to focus and score a hat-trick after missing two spot kicks.
“I’m confident if he’s confident,” the City manager said of Aguero. “I can’t shoot the penalty, fortunately for Manchester City! It depends on the players. If he’s confident, for me it’s not a problem.
“It’s not important how many times you fall down, it’s how many times you stand up and try again. It depends on him and his teammates, it’s not a problem for me.
“The fact he missed the penalties is part of the game, but it was important that Sergio stayed focused and didn’t get down. He focused on his game and after he scored three goals.”