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
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
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.
Please wait a moment for the blog to load.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
10 minutes
A half chance for Watford, who have looked confident when on the ball. Andre Gray is set through on the right and looks to pull the ball back across goal. It's blocked, though, and City manage to clear.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
11 minutes
Zinchenko drills a wicked cross into the middle, which Kabasele does well to head away. The big Watford defender then does the same from the resulting corner. He's going to be busy today.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
15 minutes
If you're a fan of watching 90 minutes of attack vs defence, this is the game for you. Watford are camped in their own half - often their own box - and City are simply waiting for an opening.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
19 minutes
Sterling and Silva link up nicely, and the latter tests Foster from a tight angle. Watford clear but City are straight back at them. Walker is fouled by Cleverley, who picks up a booking, and the resulting free kick is punched away by Foster.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
22 minutes
Zinchenko drills another dangerous cross towards the far post. It flashes across goal, but there's just too much on it for Aguero, who was waiting to pounce in the middle.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
26 minutes
City are completely dominant, but they're struggling to carve out any real chances at the moment. Watford are defending resolutely and the ball just hasn't quite dropped for the hosts as yet.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
29 minutes
Big chance! Bernardo Silva plays an inch perfect ball to the back post where Aguero looks certain to nod home. But the Argentine, normally so clinical, plants his header wide. The best opportunity of the game so far is wasted.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
31 minutes
Excellent defending from Janmaat, who gets across just in time to block off Sterling. The City winger was clean through on goal and that was a crucial intervention.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
34 minutes
Aguero finds space again in the box and Gundogan picks him out. His shot is saved well by Foster, but the flag is up for offside anyway.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
37 minutes
A rare forage forward for Watford results in some half-hearted penalty appeals. Success plays the ball into Cleverley, who goes down under a challenge from Otamendi just inside the box. The referee isn't interested, though.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments