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
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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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Full time: Newcastle hold on for a huge win! They were 2-0 down at half time and furious at the referee for not sending off Jordan Pickford. In the end, it was the mistakes of the Everton goalkeeper that allowed the Magpies back into the game. Rafa Benitez's side stay six points clear of the bottom three.
Full time: Cardiff, too, have managed an impressive victory over West Ham. The issue for the Bluebirds is that the teams directly above them have all won, too. Still, Neil Warnock's side needed three points today to put an end to a poor run of form. They've given themselves a chance.
Attention turns to the Etihad now, where Manchester City host Watford. The Citizens know that a win today will see them move four points clear at the top, before Liverpool play Burnley tomorrow.
City have won nine of their last ten to claw back Liverpool's lead at the summit of the Premier League. And they'll be expecting another three points. For Watford, a better performance than the one they put in at Anfield a couple of weeks ago will be needed.
Watford are in reasonable form on the road. Javi Gracia's side have only lost two of their last eight away games - including that 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool - and could prove tougher opposition for City than many expect.
At the minute, though, Pep Guardiola's side look almost untouchable. They have not conceded a league goal in four games and don't have too much trouble at the other end of the pitch either.
City get us underway! Can they stretch their lead - albeit temporarily - at the top of the Premier League?
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
2 minutes
Otamendi has a go from distance and stings the palms of Ben Foster. A familiar pattern has already been established: City dominating possession and their opposition standing off.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
5 minutes
Success brings the ball down in City's half and looks to drive forward. But he's brought down by Walker, who goes into the book.
Manchester City 0-0 Watford
8 minutes
Close! City work the ball patiently on the edge of Watford's box and Mahrez finds some space to cross. His inswinging delivery is met by Silva, who beats Foster to the ball but heads just wide.
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