Man City vs Watford LIVE: Premier League result and reaction after Gabriel Jesus scores four
Follow live reaction after Man City thrashed Watford to extend their advantage in the Premier League title race
Four goals from Gabriel Jesus earned Manchester City a 5-1 win over relegation-threatened Watford on Saturday, a victory that moved Pep Guardiola’s side four points clear at the top of the Premier League standings.
With title rivals Liverpool not in action until Sunday against Everton, City were overwhelming favourites to put Watford to the sword at the Etihad Stadium, with a double from Jesus’ putting them 2-0 in front inside 24 minutes.
Watford then briefly threatened to make a game of it as French defender Hassane Kamara’s first goal in English football five minutes later brought the visitors to within one of City. However, a stunning strike from Rodri restored City’s two-goal advantage in the 34th minute before Jesus completed his first Premier League hat-trick early in the second half after converting from the penalty spot.
Not done there, the 25-year-old tapped home his fourth in the 53rd minute to complete the rout. City took their foot off the gas from there on in, with Tuesday’s Champions League semi final first-leg against Real Madrid in mind.
The comprehensive victory moved champions City on to 80 points from 33 matches played, four clear of Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s Merseyside derby, while Watford head towards relegation, sitting 19th seven points from safety.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 88 mins
Cancelo has a shot but it’s an easy one for Foster to collect.
There’s a smile on Hodgson’s face despite this awful scoreline. Watford’s hopes of staying up aren’t ended by this result. They will play Burnley and then Everton which could see them stay in the top flight.
Cancelo again on the hunt but it goes wide. Sterling gets his team in another great position but Gealish can’t finish it off. The touch doesn’t have enough on it with Foster smothering the ball.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 83 mins
The game is slowed down by City but Zinchenko injects some life with a good cross but the final touch doesn’t connect.
Cathcart has been affective since coming on, always first to the ball when it gets in the box. Ngakia wins a free kick as he is fouled by Zinchenko.
Dennis takes the kick but it’s headed wide by Pedro, a great opportunity missed by the visitors.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 78 mins
As things stand Manchester City are now four points ahead of Liverpool with the Reds able to close the gap again tomorrow against Everton.
Kayembe is on for Watford as Hodgson makes more changes to his tired side. They have had to be on constant alert and in defensive mode.
Grealish wins a free kick and Mahrez looks to take it. His shot is hit to Jesus and is put in the box but Ngakia does well to clear it.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 73 mins
Cathcart and Pedro are both on for Watford as they look to stem the bleeding in this match.
Watching City keep the ball in the midfield is like a cat playing with a mouse. You know the killer blow is coming but they like to play around with their prey first.
The hosts are now looking for that sixth hit but Guardiola makes a change before they can. Mahrez is on for scorer Rodri.
Jesus gets a cross in for Sterling, the England international has had so many chances but he can’t quite get the last touch away.
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Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 68 mins
City make another change as Laporte is off for Ake.
Just moments later Foster is forced to make a save as Gundogan looks to strike. Sissoko then heads away a corner but City are looking stronger by the minute.
Watford have a corner and it would save a few blushes if they could get another goal. They play it short and City deal with it, Cancelo clears but Kamara wrestles it back for Watford. Possession continues to exchange hands.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 63 mins
Ngakia stops a chance which Zinchenko could’ve slotted that home.
The only possession Watford are having is by thwarting more City chances. You have to feel for stars like Dennis, who has been their standout player this match.
Nagakia again read a play well, if he didn’t cut that pass out Sterling would have struck. City corner sees Rodri almost score the hosts’ sixth but it sails over the bar.
And there goes Dennis who gets a clean shot away which is saved well by Ederson. But if the shot did go in it wouldn’t have counted with the star offside.
Manchester City 5-1 Watford, 58 mins
Watford won’t win this but they need to be sharper before this turns embarrassing.
City are pulling all the strings and the little momentum Watford did have in the first half seems to have disappeared.
De Bruyne has been insane for his side today, doing all the work in the background but my word Jesus! Four goals before 55 minutes, breath-taking.
City make their first change as Gundogan comes on for De Bruyne - to huge applause from fans and his manager.
GOAL! Manchester City 5-1 Watford (Jesus, 53’)
Okay wow, goals are coming from nowhere now!
Jesus has his fourth after another perfect ball from De Bruyne. Watford are falling apart.
Manchester City 4-1 Watford, 53 mins
The game takes a while to get back underway as the officials try to fix the communication issues. The referee cannot hear the VAR hub.
City are again building from deep, they are controlling every area of this match. Their patience and perfect passes could see them make the scoreline horrendous for the visitors.
The hosts have a corner with De Bruyne taking the set piece once again. Sarr heads away but to a City player as the team look for their fifth.
The visitors manage to build their own attack but Fernandinho makes a great tackle to win the ball.
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