Final Score: Manchester City 3-1 Watford
Normal services resumed at the Etihad on Tuesday evening as Manchester City took off from where they left 2017, to start the New year in some style. The game ended in a 3-1 victory to the hosts with Raheem Sterling and Sergio Agüero finding the target along with a Christian Kabasele own goal that served the cause.
Dominance, possession, free-flowing attacking display and lots of movement in and around the box has become the daily dose of football played at the blue half of Manchester. However, the stubborn City mastermind, Pep Guardiola would be furious for the fact that Andre Gray managed to find a consolation goal for himself. The leaders have now regained a 15-point lead and are on route to causing another havoc.
Manchester City Players Ratings
Ederson: 8/10
He came out on top versus Andre Gray in their personal battle, with the help of two superb saves in the first half. Later on though, the Hornets forward capitalised on his chance. As usual, Ederson’s passing and distribution were top class.
Kyle Walker: 5.5/10
All the hard work and running went in vain when Watford scored. One could say he was left in no man’s land. Attacking wise, he added all that was expected.
Nicolas Otamendi: 7/10
Made some extremely good blocks and stops. His was solid throughout the game. While playing the long ball forward too, he was the best.
John Stones: 8/10
Very composed, didn’t let any injury affect him. In all 90 minutes, he looked calm and collected. Made a lot of vital clearances.
Fabian Delph: 7/10
He was a big miss in defence last time out. Got forward with ease, didn’t panic, kept possession and won the ball back high up the pitch. Defensively, he was neat.
Fernandinho: 8.5/10
Allowed the players to run in behind the defenders, provided the extra yard of space and effort. The Brazilian’s passing and release were smooth as ever. He worked harder than others, protected his defence and fed the wider players whenever width was required.
Kevin De Bruyne: 8.5/10
Fabulous range of passing and crossing. Very influential with respect to the number of touches and chances created.
David Silva: 9/10
Sweet and sleek despite his personal barriers and was on top of the pitch. The through ball to Sane in the build-up to the first goal was sublime. Rest, his ability to pick a pass was seen.
Raheem Sterling: 8.5/10
A good goal and was in the right place. He was always a counter-attacking threat and enjoyed the outing otherwise.
Leroy Sané: 9/10
Was always looking to trouble the Watford defence, ran ahead with conviction every time he got the ball. For the first goal, he laid it for Sterling with an easy cross.
SergioAgüero: 8.5/10
His work rate and ability to get into goal scoring positions are world class. For a forward, he found lots of space for himself, showed good feet and got a deserved goal. But, he could have had one or two more.
Substitutes
Danilo: 7/10
Move on, nothing to be complained about or praised. He came on to the pitch and eased his way past the game. A simple outing for him.
Yaya Toure: 6/10
Didn’t play his natural game, maybe because of his manager’s tactics. Just had to sit back and watch through along with preventing a few opposition attacks.
Bernardo Silva: N/A
Came on just before the 80th minute.
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