A cursory glance of the internet suggested that Sergio Aguero had not played a competitive match in a month due to injury.

A casual sweep of his left boot last night made it seem as though he had never been away, the Argentine coming off the bench midway through the second half to score the fourth goal for Manchester City. It is the striker's fourth in as many games.

Aguero was recalled in a match which had started out as an FA Cup third round replay. It would end in a rout and a fourth-round tie with Sky Bet Championship side Watford. By the time Aguero was swinging his foot at a low cross, Blackburn Rovers had already been given a right good kicking.

The Championship side - who fielded Scotland defender Grant Hanley but were without Jordan Rhodes - conceded right on half-time as Alvaro Negredo put City ahead, before doubling the lead two minutes into the second half.

City were comfortable and they reclined into the fourth round when Edin Dzeko tucked a third goal in at the near post. The City striker later completed the scoring and has now scored 17 times this season, but is still considered to be third-choice. Aguero would show that he is still No.1 when he stroked in goal No.4.