Sergio Aguero made a stunning debut for his new club as Manchester City defeated Swansea City 4-0 in their English Premier League opener.
Second-half substitute Aguero netted a brace while Edin Dzeko and David Silva were also among the goals as Roberto Mancini’s side highlighted their title credentials with a compelling display at Etihad Stadium on Monday.
Swansea made an encouraging start to life in the English top flight with spells of sustained possession in the first 10 minutes and a confidence which belied their newly promoted status.
But City soon threatened as a corner from the right saw Silva test Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm with a fierce shot.
Spaniard Silva was not done testing the Dutchman, and with help from Adam Johnson, he opened his body to flick a left-footed shot high into the goal only for the crossbar to deny him.
The openings kept coming for Mancini’s side. A surging run from Yaya Toure produced a shot which was pushed wide by Vorm, and from the subsequent corner, Silva again had an attempt on goal.
The final play of the first period saw the crossbar save Swansea once again, this time from a Gareth Barry shot.
The waves of attack continued in the second half and when Johnson’s cross was spilled by Vorm, Dzeko tapped home for a much deserved lead.
Mancini introduced Aguero and the Argentine made an immediate mpact. His first touch of the ball brought an excellent save from Vorm, before an overlapping run on the right from Micah Richards set up a simple finish for the 23-year-old at the far post.
Better was to come as Aguero chased a seemingly dead ball to flick overhead and allow the other protagonist of the evening, Silva, to stroke home a quick-fire third to leave Brendan Rodgers’ side stunned.
Aguero made yet another statement of intent in the closing stages, driving a 35-yard-strike into the Swansea goal to make it 4-0 and cap a memorable evening for the record signing from Atletico Madrid.