Sergio aguero
Guardiola challenges Aguero to earn new Man City deal
Sergio Aguero, who returned from a four-month spell out with injury in Saturday's 1-0 win over Arsenal, has entered the last 12 months of his existing deal.
City beat Sheffield United 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday but remain far adrift of Liverpool, who have an extra game in hand.
Sergio Aguero struck again in the 56th with the softest of touches after Riyad Mahrez’s 30-metre shot hit a defender and looped into his path.
One of the best of those fell to the 31-year-old Barcelona icon but he headed wide after Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina got down quickly to push out a header from center-back Nicolas Otamendi.
Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Scaloni also retained Paulo Dybala in his 23-man squad named on Tuesday, despite the Juventus forward’s lean season with the Italian giants.
Defeat left Southampton 17th in the table on 15 points, the same as 18th placed Burnley, who beat West Ham United 2-0 on Sunday.
Since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, the 30-year-old Argentine has helped the club win three Premier League titles and three League Cups.
The first meeting between the sides in a domestic final was no classic but Spaniard Guardiola will not care after his side’s class eventually shone through at a freezing Wembley Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s City currently lead by eight points from United in the standings, giving the game much more significance than just local pride.
His Premier League club Manchester City said the 29-year-old Aguero had been cleared by doctors to return to England as planned after he suffered what they called “a dizzy spell”.
Aguero is currently on international duty as Argentina prepare for friendly games against Russia on Saturday and Nigeria three days later.
City took their goals tally in all competitions so far this season to 52 as Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and substitute Gabriel Jesus ensured a ninth successive league win.
The Argentine struck his historic 178th goal for City in the 69th minute to help settle a magnificent contest between the English and Italian league leaders.
Pep Guardiola says Sergio Aguero has kept his ability to be deadly in the penalty area while becoming more a part of the team’s play.
City took their opportunity to lay down a title marker with another attacking masterclass to go three points clear of their neighbours.
Aguero helped City finish third in the league but his starting role came under intense scrutiny following the arrival of in-form Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus in January.
City took the lead through Raheem Sterling but were then playing catch-up as Monaco drew level thanks to Radamel Falcao’s header.
Aguero was once again left on the bench, amid speculation about his uncertain future at City, as Guardiola preferred Gabriel Jesus.