London: Raheem Sterling’s quick hat-trick in 13 minutes spurred Manchester City to a 3-1 commanding victory over Watford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, moving the Blues four points clear at the top of the table.
After a goalless first half, Manchester City took the lead one minute into the restart as Watford defender Daryl Janmaat’s clearance attempt bounced off Sterling and looped into the net.
Although the England winger was flagged offside when Sergio Aguero passed the ball, referee Paul Tierney confirmed the goal after a long discussion with the linesman.
Despite the controversial opener, Sterling made the game into his own show as he doubled City’s lead four minutes later and completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark.
The Watford fired back in the 66th minute when captain Troy Deeney set up a good pass for Gerard Deulofeu to find the back of the net, but the visitors found no other chances before the final whistle.
With the victory, Manchester City have secured a four-point lead over Liverpool, who are to host Burnley on Sunday.
In another match-up on Saturday, Harry Kane’s 26th-minute goal was not enough for Tottenham Hotspur to take away three points from the St Mary’s Stadium as Yan Valery equalized for Southampton in the 76th minute and James Ward-Prowse’s superb free kick sealed the 2-1 victory for the hosts.
In the other matches on Saturday, Brighton defeated Crystal Palace 2-1, Cardiff fended off West Ham 2-0 at home, Huddersfield lost 2-0 to Bournemouth, Leicester City triumphed 3-1 at Fulham and Newcastle survived a 3-2 thriller at Everton.
Hazard rescues Chelsea
Eden Hazard came to Maurizio Sarri’s rescue as the Chelsea star’s superb late strike earned a 1-1 draw against Wolves on Sunday.
Sarri’s side were seconds away from another damaging defeat after Raul Jimenez put Wolves ahead at Stamford Bridge.
Hazard spared the under-fire Sarri’s blushes with his thunderous stoppage-time equaliser, but it was still a frustrating day for the Blues boss.
Liverpool beat Burnley
Jurgen Klopp warned title rivals Manchester City that Liverpool will not give up their title bid after a 4-2 victory over Burnley cut Pep Guardiola’s lead at the top of the Premier League to a single point.
Liverpool responded to City’s win against Watford on Saturday, rallying after falling behind to a controversial goal from Burnley, with two goals each from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. (Agencies)
