Manchester City Stings the Hornets

The Sky Blues maintained their cushy five-point lead atop the Premiership, and the way they're playing, it might as well be a fifty-point pad.

Not that anything different was expected when they invaded Vicarage Road.

Watford's record now stands at 6-2-7, and they're sitting comfortably in mid-table after tonight's 1-2 defeat, but frankly, that's them.

Just as frankly, that scoreline flattered them to deceive. City had ample opportunities to bury them, but the end result was still three road points.

 

City dominated the early and often.

Watford's possession was so rare that local holidays could've been declared whenever it happened, but for the most part, dudes couldn't manage to make anything of their chances.

The Sky Blues were simply toying with Watford, wasting their own opportunties but confident in the obviosity they's manufacture more. That's what happened in the 40th minute when Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez put in a dangerous cross to Leroy Sané, who chested the ball home through the legs of goalkeeper Ben Forster:

 

Damn.

All that's missing is the tea and cucumber sandwiches.

 

After the break, City returned to action slightly more focused.

Dudes doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Gabriel Jesus took a pass from the left and low-crossed it to Mahrez, who slotted home:

 

For all intents and purposes, that fulfilled this game's destiny, and both sides knew it.

Five minutes from time, though, Watford produced its own lovely parting gift, such as it was.

 

After a dangerous cross from the right, Ederson saved it, but the ball fell to Abdoulaye Doucouré, whose attempt was blocked by Kyle Walker.

The rebound came right back to him, though, and dude didn't miss a second time:

 

 

Watford seems well-placed to secure at least another season in the Premiership, with all the dosh its global broadcast rights bring to the coffers.

Meanwhile, Manchester City seemed to be saving its best for more formidable foes.