Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling grabs 13-minute hat-trick to put City four points clear

Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling grabs 13-minute hat-trick to put City four points clear
Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to open up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier League.There was an element of controversy over the winger’s opener but his speedy treble turned a frustrating game decisively in City’s favour early in the second half.5

Raheem Sterling was a very popular man among his teammates

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.City’s resolve was again tested by opponents seemingly intent on damage limitation.Yet after a week of off-field turmoil for City, Pep Guardiola’s men found a way by once again showing that on the field they remain in good health.When they hosted Liverpool on January 3, City could have fallen 10 points behind at the top but now they are firmly back in control of their destiny.5

There was a dispute regarding the first goal

It took time for them to find a way through as Watford, after making seven changes, sat deep. For a third league game in succession, City were involved in a goalless first half.David Silva had an early opportunity when Riyad Mahrez delivered an inviting cross from the right but could not make firm contact with his header.Oleksandr Zinchenko drove an effort across goal that Sergio Aguero could not reach before the Argentinian spurned a fine chance when he headed wide from a Bernardo Silva cross.Mahrez curled an effort over just before the break but any fears City might be facing a long grind were dispelled in the opening minutes of the second half.5

Raheem Sterling soon added a second

There was plenty of controversy over Sterling’s opener that was awarded after a lengthy consultation between referee Paul Tierney and his assistant Eddie Smart.Initially Sterling seemed well offside as he ran on to a ball from Aguero, who was deemed to have controlled with his chest despite appeals for handball.But an attempted intervention from Daryl Janmaat proved critical, with the ball rebounding off the defender and then Sterling before looping into the net.Watford’s players reacted angrily when the officials eventually decided the goal should stand and their minds may have been elsewhere when Sterling doubled his tally moments later.5

Sterling completed his hat-trick and settle the match before the 60th minute

This time there was no debate as the England forward simply tapped in from a low Mahrez cross.The visitors’ resistance was broken and Sterling completed his treble just before the hour as he jinked through the area from a Silva through ball and blasted past Ben Foster.Sterling was replaced by Leroy Sane soon after but Watford also made changes and the twin introductions of Troy Deeney and Deulofeu – who were presumably rested with next week’s FA Cup quarter-finals in mind – made a difference.5

Gerard Deulofeu bagged a consolation

Within seconds Deeney played in Deulofeu and the Spaniard finished confidently.It was too little too late, though, and City, who had further chances through Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, eased to victory.

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Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling grabs 13-minute

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Manchester City's Raheem Sterling said collective success was more important than individual glory after his 13-minute hat-trick helped the Blues to a convincing 3-1 victory over Watford at the Etihad Stadium. Hat-trick hero Raheem Sterling reflects on crucial 3-1 win over Watford which sent the Blues four points clear at the top of the
Man City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling steals the show with

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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
Media Watch: Sterling contender for PFA POTY - Manchester City FC

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Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to open up a 4-element hole at the best of the Premier League. There changed into an element of controversy over the winger's opener but his speedy treble grew to become a tricky game decisively in City's favour early in the moment half.
Raheem Sterling hits 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City

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Raheem Sterling hit a 13-minute hat-trick to put City in total command against Watford - Action Images via Reuters. These are strange days indeed in the Premier League when Pep Guardiola feels it
Raheem Sterling grabs 13-minute hat-trick to put Man City

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Mar 09, 2019 · Raheem Sterling hits 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City ease past Watford to move four points clear hit a 13-minute hat-trick to put City in total command against Watford Credit:
Raheem Sterling's 13-minute hat-trick drives Manchester City

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Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to open up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier League. There was an element of controversy over the winger's opener but his speedy treble turned a frustrating game decisively in City's favour early in the second half.
Raheem Sterling hits 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City

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Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling steals the show as he grabs a hat-trick against the Hornets to help Pep Guardiola's side pull four points clear in the title race and pile the pressure
Man City v Watford: Match report - Manchester City FC

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Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to open up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier League. There was an element of controversy over the winger
Manchester City 3-1 Watford: Raheem Sterling grabs 13-minute

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Raheem Sterling scored a 13-minute hat-trick to send City four points clear of Liverpool - if only for 24 hours. The champions endured a frustrating first-half, but blew the visitors away with three Sterling goals inside the first 15 minutes of the second period.

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Mar 09, 2019 · Raheem Sterling's 13-minute hat-trick drives Manchester City past Watford now his team are four points clear in the position that until recently Liverpool were occupying. Manchester City
Manchester City vs Watford LIVE - latest updates | The