Gundogan salute for Blues' talisman

ILKAY Gundogan made an immediate impression on his Manchester City debut - but Sergio Aguero made a bigger mark on him.

Germany midfielder Gundogan sparkled as City swept Borussia Monchengladbach aside 4-0 in their Champions League Group 'C' opener at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, but it was Aguero who stole the headlines with another hat-trick.

The Argentinian's second treble in the space of a month took his tally for the campaign to nine goals in just five appearances. With 145 goals, the 28-year-old is now just three behind sixth-placed Francis Lee in City's all-time top goalscoring list.

"There is nothing better than that," Gundogan said. "Every team needs to score to win games and, if you have such an incredible striker in your own rows, then it gives you the safety you are always able to score.

"He did it three times and he did an amazing performance. We are all very happy to have him."

It may be unrealistic to expect Aguero to overhaul Eric Brook's City total of 178 this season, but there seems little doubt the former Atletico Madrid forward will get there. There can also be no immediate addition to his mark as he sits out City's next two games due to domestic suspension.

City host Bournemouth in the Premier League tomorrow.