They eventually got their act together and twice drew level, with a goal each from their two strikers. It prompted the manager to heap praise on the pair once more -- though the match did suggest that fitting the two attackers into the team could be more problematic than he first anticipated.

Certainly, it's barely been an issue so far -- Jesus didn't arrive until after Christmas and after an explosive introduction to the team, spent the best part of two months injured. The question of whether they can play together has never gone away, but it's been one that the manager has been able to push to the back of his mind.

In that time, Aguero continued to score goals -- his penalty at Middlesbrough was his 13th in 14 appearances -- and it's made any speculation that he doesn't fit in to how Guardiola wants to play at City look nonsensical.

In fact, the Argentine has looked more like a Guardiola-style player than ever before. In the first half of the campaign, even with Aguero finding the net on a regular basis, the manager consistently spoke in postmatch interviews about how he was pleased with the striker's performance -- but also how he still wanted more from him.

Since beginning his phenomenal goal scoring run in the 5-3 victory over Monaco, the Argentine has been just as much involved in the build-up as he has been finding the net. In the past, he came to life in and around the opposition penalty area. Now, though, he's dropping deep to exploit space, create opportunities for his teammates and drag opposition defenders out of position.

Off the ball, Aguero's been pressing defenders like never before. His surge in form should have put dampeners on any talk of a transfer, but with Jesus waiting in the wings it seems like the story may never go away until the day the striker actually leaves.

That's despite assurances that the club don't want to sell and that he doesn't want to go.

Even if he were up for sale in the summer, shifting Aguero wouldn't be that easy for City. The top clubs across Europe have their centre-forwards in place, with only Real Madrid a realistic possibility. Even then, they'd have to fork out a lot of money -- would they be happy to do that for a player with eyes on finishing his career in his home country in the not-too-distant future?

It would be a travesty to see him depart, especially if his groin injury rules him out for the rest of the season. It'd mean he'd end 10 goals short of Eric Brook's club record of 177 strikes. For someone who's earned his place as a legend in East Manchester, it would be a crying shame if he never topped the goal-scoring charts.

Even Jesus expects to be fighting it out for his first-team place next season, suggesting Guardiola may not be putting all his eggs in one basket of trying to get the two to play together.

It was evident in the draw at Middlesbrough that shifting the team's formation around to crowbar the pair in didn't work. Switching to three centre-backs with two wing-backs might be a decent option with better players, but with the wide threat coming from Gael Clichy and Jesus Navas, it turned out to be a nonstarter.

That move left City disorientated throughout the first half, and it meant both Jesus and Aguero were isolated up front. When Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane joined the action, the pair were far more involved -- but against better teams, that would mean little room for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Yaya Toure et al.

They'd also have been punished more than Middlesbrough had been able to by that stage.

Given how City should be challenging further on all fronts next season, there should be plenty of games for each of them, even if Guardiola sticks with one centre-forward.

Speculation has been rife that Jesus' arrival will force Aguero to move on. Instead, it might mean the exact opposite -- with the Brazilian capable of putting in displays that keep his teammate out of the side, it might be that the Argentine is about to step his game up even further.

With the right investment, City's defence next season could be a far more solid foundation to build on. With a bit of time, the attack could be the most deadly it's been in generations.