Sergio Aguero puts City on top

Watford: Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick as free-scoring Manchester City climbed to the top of the Premier League with an irresistible 6-0 victory against Watford on Saturday.

Aguero opened the scoring in the 27th minute, heading home Kevin de Bruyne’s superb free kick, and doubled the lead within four minutes when he converted David Silva’s teasing cross from close range.

City were in exuberant mood and added a third before the break when the excellent Gabriel Jesus latched on to Aguero’s cute pass to stroke home in the 38th minute.

After Nicolas Otamendi headed in a fourth in the 63rd minute, Aguero completed his treble with a neat finish at the end of a sensational run.

Raheem Sterling added a sixth from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Christian Kabasele late on.

City have 13 points from five games. Watford, in 10th, have eight points after their first defeat of the season. 

Liverpool frustrated by Burnley
Liverpool’s 125th anniversary celebrations fell flat at Anfield where they completed a disappointing week by drawing 1-1 with Burnley.

Liverpool gave Philippe Coutinho his first start amid seven changes from their Champions League team, but familiar defensive failings surfaced after 26 minutes when they failed to clear the ball and Scott Arfield produced a superb half-volley for his first goal in 11 months.

Palace make unwanted history 
In London, Roy Hodgson was unable to stop Crystal Palace hitting a historic low as Steven Davis sealed Southampton’s 1-0 win at Selhurst Park. Hodgson was taking charge of Palace for the first time following his appointment on Tuesday as successor to the sacked Frank De Boer. But Hodgson couldn’t inspire an immediate upturn in Palace’s fortunes, with Davis’s goal condemning the Eagles to a piece of unwanted history. Palace sit bottom of the table after becoming the first top tier team to lose their opening five fixtures without scoring.