MANCHESTER, United Kingdom (AFP) — Sergio Aguero hit a hat-trick as Manchester City’s record-breaking forward inspired a 6-1 demolition of Huddersfield yesterday.

Pep Guardiola’s champions opened their home campaign with a pre-match display of ticker tape and exploding fireworks, and Aguero continued the pyrotechnics on the field.

Aguero, who turned 30 in the close season, has now scored 14 times in his last eight Premier League games at City’s Etihad Stadium.

The Argentina star — City’s all-time leading scorer — joins former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler on nine Premier League hat-tricks.

Only ex-Newcastle and Blackburn star Alan Shearer has scored more in the competition’s history with 11.

City’s rampant display underlined why they are such strong favourites to retain their title.

Such is City’s strength in depth that Guardiola was able to leave Kyle Walker, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling on the bench.

And even though City learned this week that playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will be out for up to three months with a knee injury, the fact that Guardiola was able to name substitutes which cost his club £230 million (US$293 million) in transfer fees was a sobering thought for their rivals.

After relentless City pressure, which featured Guardiola’s team having 80 per cent possession, the champions finally took the lead on 25 minutes, the start of a three-goal blitz inside 10 minutes.