Full Time: Watford 0-5 Manchester City
As Liverpool and Arsenal were toiling hard for the fourth spot, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City earned themselves a deserved place in the group stage of the Champions League next season with a comfortable 5-0 victory over the Hornets in the final game of their campaign.
Vincent Kompany’s thumping header opened the scoring for the visitors as Sergio Aguero picked up a brace, to add to Fernandinho’s finish just before half time, pushing City 4-0 up going into the break. A victory was enough to keep them at 3rd place and Gabriel Jesus’ goal at the hour mark was the icing on the cake for the Citizens who qualified for the group stage of the Champions League. Here’s how the Citizens fared against Watford:
Manchester City Player Ratings
Willy Caballero (7)
Had his shaky moment or two in the second half but was generally safe with his handling and distribution.
Fernandinho (7)
Was tested by the likes of Niang but did well to keep him quiet and also got on the score sheet with a smart finish.
Vincent Kompany (8)
A beast at the back for City who never gave Okaka a chance in the game. Kompany opened the scoring for City to cap off a strong end to the season.
Nicolas Otamendi (6)
Was solid at the back for City but needs to improve his distribution if he wants to be the first choice under Guardiola next season.
Gael Clichy (7)
Was a willing participant in attack as he always provided City the width that opened Watford up far too often.
Kevin de Bruyne (9)
Ran the show in front of the box as he went on rampage mode with his performance. He orchestrated City’s comfortable victory.
Yaya Toure (8)
Went past the Watford midfield as if it was not present on the pitch, as he showed why he deserves another chance next season.
David Silva (8)
Seemed to be in the mood right from the start as he created havoc in front of goal throughout the game, keeping Watford on their toes.
Gabriel Jesus (8)
Found it hard against a physical approach from the hosts but made sure that he hurt them with the fifth goal late in the game.
Sergio Aguero (9)
The destroyer on the day, Aguero hardly put a foot wrong as he made Watford pay for every mistake. Was subbed off early, thus missing out on scoring a well-deserved hat trick.
Leroy Sane (7)
Was unlucky not to find the back of the net but was rewarded with the assist for Aguero’s goal that opened the gates to a goal fest.
Subs
Jesus Navas (7)
Came in with just less than half an hour to play and continued to keep the up the pressure on the visitors.
Bacary Sagna (6)
Replaced Yaya Toure around the hour mark and put in a steady performance.
Kelechi Iheanacho (6)
The game was already won when he came on but created the extra bit of chaos in the final third late in the game.