Sergio Aguero is undoubtedly one of the greatest strikers the Premier League has ever seen.The Argentine has been hugely influential in Manchester City’s rise to becoming one of the biggest clubs in Europe - and he cost them just £35 million in the summer of 2011.The former Atletico Madrid man has since racked up 246 goals in 358 appearances across all competitions, many of which have come in the English top-flight.Aguero netted his 174th Premier League goal against Sheffield United a fortnight ago to put him one shy of Thierry Henry as the leading foreign goalscorer in the competition’s history.The 31-year-old might’ve expected to be allowed the opportunity to draw level with the former Arsenal striker against Everton on New Year’s Day, but he was rested for the Toffees’ visit.

Aguero couldn’t be denied against relegation-threatened Aston Villa this weekend, though.

City raced to a 2-0 lead inside 24 minutes through Riyad Mahrez before the Argentina international made it three with a powerful drive from outside the box.

Gabriel Jesus extended their advantage further before half-time, then Aguero struck again ten minutes after the interval to put him above Henry with 176 goals.

With City in total control of proceedings at Villa Park, there was every chance Aguero would draw level with Chelsea great Frank Lampard.

He added his third strike in the 81st minute, which also pulled him clear of Alan Shearer as the scorer of the most hat-tricks in Premier League history.

The match ended 1-6 in favour of City after Villa's Anwar El Ghazi converted a late penalty.

Looking to the future, Manchester United legend Andrew Cole will be Aguero's next target on 187 goals, followed by Wayne Rooney (208) and Alan Shearer (260).

No matter where he is on that ladder at the end of his career, there's no doubt Aguero will go down as one of the deadliest Premier League finishers of all time.