7 stars adorn City

London, December 15

Seven goals — even without a recognizable striker. A seventh successive victory. Manchester City are looking ruthless in their Premier League title defence.

Kevin De Bruyne struck twice, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, John Stones and Nathan Ake also got on the score-sheet as the champions overpowered Leeds 7-0 on Tuesday.

In a tight title race, the flurry of goals moved City within two of Liverpool’s goal difference of plus-33. “We didn’t score as many goals this season,” manager Pep Guardiola said, “but today was a good run to be close to Liverpool and Chelsea.”

Leeds are now five points above the relegation zone.

Bayern hammer Stuttgart

Munich: Serge Gnabry scored a hat-trick as Bayern Munich stretched their lead in the Bundesliga to nine points with a 5-0 hammering of Stuttgart. — AP

Aguero hangs up boots

Barcelona: Fighting back tears, Barcelona striker Sergio Aguero announced his immediate retirement today for health reasons. The 33-year-old Argentina striker underwent heart tests after leaving the field, holding his chest, during Barcelona’s match against Alaves in the Spanish league on October 30. His condition has since been evaluated, and a sobbing Aguero said at a press conference that he had decided to stop playing. ap