Sergio Aguero’s double saves City blushes against QPR

QPR 2 Manchester City 2

Sergio Aguero saved Manchester City further embarrassment with a double in a 2-2 Premier League draw at QPR.

Manuel Pellegrini admitted the champions were in the midst of a crisis of confidence following their latest European defeat and QPR seemed determined to increase City's misery at Loftus Road.

Charlie Austin scored the opening goal after finding the City net for the third time after 21 minutes.

Austin had two strikes ruled out in the space of 30 seconds after eight minutes, but each time the visitors’ shambolic defence was reprieved.

He was offside in heading in, then City goalkeeper Joe Hart kicked the ball twice, firstly with his standing foot, before the striker scored. Referee Mike Dean correctly ruled out the effort.

Hart made a stunning save from Austin after 14 minutes before it was fourth time lucky as the striker ghosted in behind an absent City defence, was played on by Eliaquim Mangala, and finished clinically for his sixth of the season.

Aguero, who was excellent throughout, was given the benefit of the doubt by the officials when he equalised, despite the possibility of the strike being ruled out for offside and handball.

Austin's cross was then turned into his own net by Martin Demichelis but Aguero mesmerised the QPR defence for a second time to earn a draw.

Third-placed City now have one win in six games and are eight points behind leaders Chelsea, who won at Liverpool earlier on Saturday, entering the international break.