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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

78 minutes

It's been a frustrating day for Aguero, who links up with Silva and sees another shot from a tight angle saved by Foster. The game is far more open now with Watford finally abandoning their conservative approach.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:05
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

79 minutes

It should be 4-1. First, Bernardo Silva is played through by Mahrez and tries to lob Foster, who stands firm and saves with his shoulder. Moments later, Sane runs in behind but miscues his left-footed shot.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:06
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

80 minutes

There won't be a goal for Aguero, who makes way for Gabriel Jesus.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:07
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

82 minutes

Watford make their final change: Cathcart replaces Britos.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:09
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

85 minutes

Brilliant defending from Kabasele, who gets back just in time to deny Jesus. The City forward was about to fire into an empty net having beaten Foster.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:12
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

85 minutes

Otamendi heads wide from the resulting corner. City are ending the game strongly and a dramatic Watford comeback seems increasingly unlikely.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:12
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

88 minutes

A City corner finds its way to Gundogan on the edge of the box and the German fires a shot way over the bar. He's been excellent in midfield today, despite that shocker of an effort.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:16
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

90 minutes

Phil Foden will get a run-out for the last few minutes here. He replaces Mahrez.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:17
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

90+1 minutes

Watford want a penalty for a potential foul on Masina but their appeals are ignored. Kompany appeared to clip the Watford man as he attempted to clear. It would've been a soft one.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:19
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Manchester City 3-1 Watford

90+3 minutes

Deeney, who has been a handful since his introduction, wins a free kick in a challenge with Kompany. This is within shooting range.

Callum Rice-Coates9 March 2019 19:20

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