Sergio Aguero scors his 12th hat-trick as City demolish Aston Villa

Sergio Aguero scored his 12th hat-trick to become the highest overseas goalscorer in Premier League history in rampant Manchester City’s six-goal hammering of struggling Aston Villa. The Argentine moved level  and then past – Thierry Henry, before joining Frank Lampard on 177 goals in England’s top flight.

Only three men – Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Andy Cole – are still ahead of him on the all-time Premier League list. Aguero’s number of hat-tricks is a Premier League record.

It was part of a merciless City performance as they took apart a Villa side who were suffering their worst defeat since Liverpool beat them at 6-0 at Villa Park in February 2016 and have dropped into the relegation zone.

Riyad Mahrez scored the first two, with Gabriel Jesus splitting Aguero’s double just before half-time.

The result leaves City second, the highest position they have occupied following a full round of matches since the beginning of November, although they remain 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game more

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was hailed as a “legend” after setting a new record for the most Premier League goals by an overseas player.

The league’s goalscoring record is held by Shearer, who scored 260 times, including 11 hat-tricks, during spells at Southampton, Blackburn and Newcastle.

The 31-year-old, now on 177 goals, achieved the feat in his 255th Premier League game. Henry scored 175 goals in 258 games for Arsenal.