Sergio Aguero's attempts to follow compatriot Diego Maradona by scoring his own 'glove of God' backfired as the Manchester City striker's handball subterfuge was spotted, punished and left him public enemy number one at Stoke's raucous Britannia Stadium. Despite putting in a match-winning performance for his title-chasing side and his first goals since December 3, Aguero will be remembered for something other than an impressive return to form following a knee injury. True, he didn't try to con the referee with an over-the-top celebration as Maradona did when he rose above Peter Shilton to score the first goal against England at the 1986 World Cup with his palm. Sergio Aguero (16) handled the ball into the net in similar fashion to fellow Argentinian Maradona . The goal was disallowed by referee Lee Mason and Aguero became the target for boo's from the Stoke fans . The City striker could have headed it in following good work from David Silva but put the ball in with his hand . Aguero's goal was reminiscint of the 'hand of God' goal scored by Argentinian compatriot Diego Maradona . Nevertheless, the striker did clearly use the fingers inside his gloved left hand for a final touch on a goal that would have put Manchester City 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time. As Manchester City players loudly acclaimed the goal awarded by referee Lee Mason, a sheepish Aguero kept quiet as Stoke players vented angry protests, particularly from Marc Muniesa, the defender closest to the action. In the end, Mr Mason was persuaded to consult with his assistant and having clearly gleaned the correct information, disallowed the goal. Stoke City's Glenn Whelan (left) confronts Aguero following the incident at the Britannia Stadium . The 26-year-old (16) was then booked by Mason for his misdemeanor despite his arguments . Aguero wasn't allowed to forget his indiscretion by the Stoke fans, regarded as among the most partisan in the Premier League. When the whistle blew for half-time with the score still at 1-1 moments later, every step he took towards the dressing-room was greeted with widespread boos and the occasional howl of abuse. The odd thing is Aguero didn't even need to handle to score. Silva's low cross flipped up in the air and Muniesa tried to intercept, Aguero's first touch with his head was goalbound but only a yard from goal his left arm seemed to involuntarily move up and his hand gave the ball a final shove. Presumably the forward will claim he couldn't get his hand out the way but even so he will now go alongside other South American greats Luis Suarez and Maradona. Silva and Aguero celebrate his goal before realising the referee's decision to disallow it . Of course, Aguero's sleight of hand won't be remembered in 30 years time like Maradona's because it was ruled out and didn't prove decisive in any case – largely because he scored twice anyway. Aguero had failed to find the net since returning from a knee injury sustained against Everton but a cold Wednesday night in Stoke proved the time to put the cobwebs away. City's goal to open the scoring after half-an-hour was brilliant. Aguero outmuscled Muniesa on the halfway line to collect a punt from James Milner, accelerated past Phil Bardsley and shot cleanly across Asmir Begovic. Aguero (right) was impressive throughout and scored a splendid double to help City to victory . Peter Crouch then equalised with a trademark header past Joe Hart to deservedly level the scoreline. Milner then headed the visitors in front and when Manchester City were awarded a penalty, Aguero rifled it into the roof of the net for his 21st goal of the season. Stoke fans might not like him but his own fans chanted 'Sergio, Sergio' as he made way for Edin Dzeko with the game won. The exciting thing for City is Aguero can only get better with new signing Wilfried Bony due to line up alongside him in their next game in 10 days time. Barcelona, who await in the Champions League, will be worried. Even without his hands, Aguero is deadly. Peter Crouch scores a trademark header past the stranded Joe Hart to level up the scores in the first half . James Milner celebrates after his goal regained the leader for the reigning Premier League champions . Aguero scored his second goal from the spot after Silva was adjudged to have been brought down . Samir Nasri celebrates with the away fans after his goal sealed the win for Manuel Pellegrini's men .
Sergio Aguero's attempted the 'hand of God' but the goal was disallowed .
Diego Maradona succeeded when he scored against England .
The incident overshadowed an impressive performance from the Argentinian who scored a double in City's 4-1 win over Stoke .
James Milner and Samir Nasri scored the other City goals, while Peter Crouch headed home the equaliser in the first half .
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Sergio Aguero's attempts to follow compatriot Diego Maradona by scoring his own 'glove of God' backfired as the Manchester City striker's handball subterfuge was spotted, punished and left him public enemy number one at Stoke's raucous Britannia Stadium. Despite putting in a match-winning performance for his title-chasing side and his first goals since December 3, Aguero will be remembered for something other than an impressive return to form following a knee injury. True, he didn't try to con the referee with an over-the-top celebration as Maradona did when he rose above Peter Shilton to score the first goal against England at the 1986 World Cup with his palm. Sergio Aguero (16) handled the ball into the net in similar fashion to fellow Argentinian Maradona . The goal was disallowed by referee Lee Mason and Aguero became the target for boo's from the Stoke fans . The City striker could have headed it in following good work from David Silva but put the ball in with his hand . Aguero's goal was reminiscint of the 'hand of God' goal scored by Argentinian compatriot Diego Maradona . Nevertheless, the striker did clearly use the fingers inside his gloved left hand for a final touch on a goal that would have put Manchester City 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time. As Manchester City players loudly acclaimed the goal awarded by referee Lee Mason, a sheepish Aguero kept quiet as Stoke players vented angry protests, particularly from Marc Muniesa, the defender closest to the action. In the end, Mr Mason was persuaded to consult with his assistant and having clearly gleaned the correct information, disallowed the goal. Stoke City's Glenn Whelan (left) confronts Aguero following the incident at the Britannia Stadium . The 26-year-old (16) was then booked by Mason for his misdemeanor despite his arguments . Aguero wasn't allowed to forget his indiscretion by the Stoke fans, regarded as among the most partisan in the Premier League. When the whistle blew for half-time with the score still at 1-1 moments later, every step he took towards the dressing-room was greeted with widespread boos and the occasional howl of abuse. The odd thing is Aguero didn't even need to handle to score. Silva's low cross flipped up in the air and Muniesa tried to intercept, Aguero's first touch with his head was goalbound but only a yard from goal his left arm seemed to involuntarily move up and his hand gave the ball a final shove. Presumably the forward will claim he couldn't get his hand out the way but even so he will now go alongside other South American greats Luis Suarez and Maradona. Silva and Aguero celebrate his goal before realising the referee's decision to disallow it . Of course, Aguero's sleight of hand won't be remembered in 30 years time like Maradona's because it was ruled out and didn't prove decisive in any case – largely because he scored twice anyway. Aguero had failed to find the net since returning from a knee injury sustained against Everton but a cold Wednesday night in Stoke proved the time to put the cobwebs away. City's goal to open the scoring after half-an-hour was brilliant. Aguero outmuscled Muniesa on the halfway line to collect a punt from James Milner, accelerated past Phil Bardsley and shot cleanly across Asmir Begovic. Aguero (right) was impressive throughout and scored a splendid double to help City to victory . Peter Crouch then equalised with a trademark header past Joe Hart to deservedly level the scoreline. Milner then headed the visitors in front and when Manchester City were awarded a penalty, Aguero rifled it into the roof of the net for his 21st goal of the season. Stoke fans might not like him but his own fans chanted 'Sergio, Sergio' as he made way for Edin Dzeko with the game won. The exciting thing for City is Aguero can only get better with new signing Wilfried Bony due to line up alongside him in their next game in 10 days time. Barcelona, who await in the Champions League, will be worried. Even without his hands, Aguero is deadly. Peter Crouch scores a trademark header past the stranded Joe Hart to level up the scores in the first half . James Milner celebrates after his goal regained the leader for the reigning Premier League champions . Aguero scored his second goal from the spot after Silva was adjudged to have been brought down . Samir Nasri celebrates with the away fans after his goal sealed the win for Manuel Pellegrini's men .
Diego Maradona by scoring his own 'glove of God' backfired as the Manchester City striker's match-winning performance for his title-chasing first goal against England at the 1986 World Cup Argentinian Maradona . The goal was disallowed by Aguero's goal was reminiscint of the 'hand of correct information, disallowed the goal. Stoke (right) was impressive throughout and scored a but his own fans chanted 'Sergio, Sergio' as he Aguero is deadly. Peter Crouch scores a trademark scores in the first half . James Milner