Pep Guardiola insisted he understood why Sergio Agüero is unhappy at not always being selected for Manchester City’s biggest games, calling the striker a legend after he scored twice in Manchester City’s 4-0 defeat of Bournemouth, to reach 101 goals at the Etihad Stadium.

After putting City ahead in the 27th minute, Agüero scored 11 minutes from time to take his season’s tally to 15 in 20 games and ensure City became the first top-flight team to score 100 goals in a calendar year since Liverpool in 1982.Raheem Sterling on 53 minutes and Danilo near the end completed the scoring in the leaders’ 17th Premier League victory in a row.

Sergio Agüero on song as Manchester City stroll against Bournemouth Read more

Agüero was an unused substitute for the 2-1 derby win over Manchester United on 10 December, a decision that upset the Argentinian. He appeared unhappy at being taken off in the 4-1 victory over Tottenham last Saturday. Asked about his striker’s obvious discontent, Guardiola said: “I was a player and I understand the players [who] are subbed, they are sad. Our job is to try to search for something to make us win. I try to have the best relations as possible with players. We are together and I understand when they are upset but sometimes I think [Gabriel] Jesus deserves to play, too.

“What is important is the respect between each other. They have an amazing relationship between them, the locker room – it’s a dream to go there. That’s the most important thing.

“I understand the feelings but I respect Sergio, what he has done, what he will do in the future. He’s a legend. He will decide everything about his life, his future, I’m so happy to have him here. He is a special player, a legend and I am so happy when he plays good and he is scoring goals. I know the players who normally don’t play are upset, but all the team deserve to play.”

Of City’s record winning sequence, Guardiola added: “Of course, you have doubts after a lot of games in a row if mentally we will be ready. But every time they are ready, that’s what impresses me about these guys. This match was similar to Southampton and West Ham – no spaces between the lines. Bournemouth play a high line but we made a good first goal and the second helped us a lot. In the last few minutes they changed the system and we found our tempo, our space and we scored four beautiful goals. I’m so happy.”

Guardiola is also impressed with Sterling. “With and without the ball he’s so aggressive and so intense. He knows when to dribble and when to pass. Now he’s enjoying scoring goals, in the past it was a bit scary for him.”