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
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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 0-0 Watford
40 minutes
Some groans of disapproval from the expectant home fans as City keep possession on the edge of Watford's box. They've not been as incisive as usual, and these fans have grown used to seeing their side put teams to the sword.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
45 minutes
Watford's organisation at the back has been impressive, but they're doing very little with the ball when they get it back. They'll be the happier of the two sides with this first half, though. The frustration at the Etihad is palpable at the minute.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
45 minutes
Aguero drives at the Watford defence and fires a left-footed shot at goal. It's straight at Foster, though.
One minute of added time will be played.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
45+1 minutes
Mahrez goes close. A corner is only half cleared and the Algerian lashes a shot towards the top corner. It flies just over the bar.
Half time: That's it for the first half. Bizarrely, there are some boos from the home fans. City will remain patient but they've been frustrated by a compact and disciplined Watford side so far. Liverpool supporters will be hoping for a repeat of that after the break.
Recent history suggests City are still in with a good chance of winning this one. They've had 70% of the ball so far today and Watford are yet to have a shot. Perhaps it will be a third consecutive 1-0 win.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Watford (Sterling)
48 minutes
A hugely controversial goal just minutes into the half. Gundogan plays a ball through towards Sterling, who gets in behind and curls a shot into the far corner. But the flag is up for what appears to be offside. Gundogan's pass struck Aguero before breaking for Sterling, who was standing in an offside position. After consulting with the linesman, though, the referee gives the goal. Watford are understandably furious.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 Watford (Sterling)
50 minutes
And that's probably game over. Silva slips the ball into Mahrez, who cuts it back for Sterling to tap in from a couple of yards out. It's a quickfire double and Watford, who have done nothing at the other end of the pitch, are on the ropes now.
Manchester City 2-0 Watford
54 minutes
Sterling senses the possibility of a hattrick here. Gundogan again plays a defence-splitting pass over the top and Sterling is onto it in a flash. But the flag is up. The linesman doesn't change his mind on this occasion.
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