The Argentina forward's heroics turned what might have been a laboured season-opening win over promoted Swansea into a 4-0 rout at the Etihad Stadium.
As debuts go, Sergio Aguero's first night was pretty special. And while team-mates, pundits and fans have been quick to lavish praise on the Manchester City new boy, Roberto Mancini has warned that the best is yet to come.
Aguero, the GBP38 million summer buy from Atletico Madrid, came off the bench to score twice and set up another goal in a sensational first appearance in the English Premier League.
The Argentina forward's heroics turned what might have been a laboured season-opening win over promoted Swansea into a 4-0 rout at the Etihad Stadium.
Team-mate Edin Dzeko, who was also on target, is excited by the prospect of playing alongside the club's record signing this season.
Dzeko, a costly acquisition himself at GBP27 million last season, is yet to make a major impact at the club but is convinced of the merits of Aguero's arrival despite increased competition.
The Bosnian said: “It's amazing for a new player to come on for the last 30 minutes and score two goals. I am very happy for him, but I am also happy for City in getting a player like him — he can only help us in the future. And he is not even 100% fit yet. In the next games he can only get better and better.
“He scored twice when not fit, so we can't wait to see what he is like at 100%. Every good player is welcome to our team as we want to win titles.”
And it is that apparent shortage of fitness that will worry EPL defenders who will be up against Aguero in the coming months.
The room for improvement is what most excites Mancini, who stressed: “I know Aguero very well but I don't think he is 100%.
“He has worked for only one week with the team. He needs to improve but he is a fantastic striker. He played in the Copa America and he needs to do more in training, but I am happy because he scored two important goals.”
Mancini is confident that Aguero will have no problems settling in at the club, especially with the likes of Yaya Toure and David Silva on hand to help him overcome the language barrier.
“I think Sergio needs to play more with his team-mates to get better,” added Mancini. “We have incredible players like David Silva and Yaya, who speak the same language. I think he needs to improve with the team.”
Having been kept waiting for his City debut, Aguero quickly made up for lost time and is determined to build on his sensational start.
“I am happy. The start was really good and I want to keep like this. It was nice,” the 23-year-old told City TV. “I had a chance to play a little bit and I enjoyed it. I helped the team and I want to keep doing the same in the future.”
Aguero's immediate impact will certainly not have gone unnoticed at their title rivals. After qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time, big-spending City are now expected to push on and challenge for further and more treasured silverware after their FA Cup exploits last season.
There is certainly a long way to go before defending champions Manchester United get too worried about their ‘noisy neighbours' and they remain the title favourites.
But even United legend Sir Bobby Charlton admitted to being impressed by Aguero on his debut and is expecting a thrilling season ahead.
He said: “Yes, I saw City. I watch all the football. The new lad's played really well. He'll be a hero.
“He is a class act and Manchester City have the wherewithal to get all the best players. But we shall see — it is getting exciting.”
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