Time for Man City striker to step up in Aguero’s absence
Published:
Sergio Aguero’s latest injury setback is a real kick in the nether regions for Manchester City just when the Argentine had hit supreme form, but his absence also presents a gilt-edged opportunity to his misfiring understudy.
Wilfried Bony was a goal-scoring colossus when given exclusive rights to lead the line at Swansea, but so far it’s not happened for the big-money mover at City.
The Ivorian switched allegiances in January for a fee of £28m, promising to greatly enhance the attacking threat at the Etihad, having been the Premier League’s top scorer in 2014 with 20 goals.
Playing second fiddle to the now hamstrung Aguero in a formation that only really accommodates a solitary striker, has obviously stifled Bony’s progression.
Nevertheless, a return of two goals in 19 City appearances, and none in seven so far this term, is still underwhelming, irrelevant of price tag.
At a club with near-bottomless resources available, it is pretty much sink or swim time for the former Swans striker as Manuel Pellegrini’s side look to push on at the top of the league and improve their fortunes in Europe.
Other forwards to have fallen by the wayside down the City pecking order have both been farmed out on loan.
Despite a very healthy goal ratio just below one in three for City, Edin Dzeko has joined Roma for a season, while injury-prone Stevan Jovetic returned to Serie A with Inter, to leave Bony no hiding place.
Having demolished Newcastle 6-1 courtesy in large part from five Aguero strikes, City are two points clear of the chasing Premier League pack and priced as 3/4 favourites to eventually lift the title.
Losing their top scorer is an obvious hindrance to this target, though Bony has it within his armoury to shine while the Argentine recovers.
City will be hoping the burly Ivorian can rediscover his touch in front of the onion bag sharpish, starting at home to Bournemouth next.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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