Sergio Aguero scored four goals as Manchester City cruised to a 4-1 win over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.
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Ryan Mason had a chance to give Tottenham the lead early on, but his shot was straight at Joe Hart, giving the keeper an easy save.
Manuel Pellegrini's men broke the deadlock just a few minutes later when Aguero picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the box before launching a powerful shot past Hugo Lloris.
Spurs needed less than two minutes to get back on level terms though, as Roberto Soldado pulled the ball back for Christian Eriksen to blast a volley in for the visitors.
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Frank Lampard tried to create another goal-scoring chance for the hosts, but was brought down by Eric Lamela, allowing Aguero to add his second of the match from the penalty spot.
The Argentine could have completed his hat-trick just after the half-hour mark when David Silva was tripped by Younes Kaboul, but this time Lloris managed to keep out Aguero's spot kick.
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Mason tested Hart again shortly before the break as he tried to fire in an equaliser, but it was comfortably stopped by the keeper, although it would not have counted as Soldado had been in an offside position in the build-up.
Tottenham appealed for a penalty of their own shortly after the restart when a cross from Eriksen appeared to hit the hand of a City player, but the referee was not interested.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were awarded a spot kick with just over an hour played when Soldado was caught by Martin Demichelis, but the striker's penalty lacked pace and direction, leaving Hart to push it clear.
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Man City were awarded their third penalty of the afternoon when Federico Fazio clattered into Aguero in the area, earning himself a red card.
The striker did manage to complete his hat-trick this time, sending Lloris the wrong way to extend the home side's advantage.
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Aguero continued to pose a threat for the hosts, and was able to make it four with 15 minutes still to play, racing down the right flank before slicing the ball into the far corner.
City could have added a fifth late on when James Milner smashed a powerful effort past Lloris, but the shot came back off the post to deny the midfielder.
The result closes the gap at the top of the table to two points for City, while Tottenham sit sixth.
Sian Cowper
