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As it happenedended1552161215

Manchester City vs Watford: Raheem Sterling hat-trick sends City four points clear at top of Premier League

Relive all the action from the Etihad

Callum Rice-Coates
Saturday 09 March 2019 18:36 GMT
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Pep Guardiola hails Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany

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Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick as champions Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to open up a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

There was an element of controversy over the England forward's first goal but his quickfire treble turned a frustrating game decisively in City's favour early in the second half.

Gerard Deulofeu did pull one back for the visitors at the Etihad Stadium but City held on to turn up the heat on closest challengers Liverpool ahead of their game against Burnley on Sunday.

Relive all the action below.

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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

90+4 minutes

Deulofeu fires the free kick into the wall and the resulting corner is cleared easily. City break forward and Jesus very nearly sends Bernardo Silva through on goal.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:21
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Full time: That's it! Sterling's hattrick helps City to a comfortable win over Watford. Guardiola's side are now four points clear of Liverpool, who host Burnley tomorrow afternoon. Watford clearly had an eye on their FA Cup quarter final next weekend, which contributed to a fairly routine City victory.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:22
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A good day for Raheem Sterling, who has now put himself in contention for the golden boot. He's on 15 league goals, three behind leading scorer Sergio Aguero.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:29
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Here's how things stand at the top of the Premier League after City's win.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:34
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I'll leave you with Mark Critchley's match report from the Etihad. Thanks for joining me!

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:40

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