Raheem Sterling’s hattrick in Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Watford kept the champions at the top of the Premier League.
City, still on course to lift four different trophies, took advantage of Sterling being awarded a contentious goal just after halftime before he struck a minute later and completed his treble in the space of 13 minutes.
Gerard Deulofeu pulled one back within 17 seconds of being brought on as a sub but Pep Guardiola’s men never looked threatened as they moved on to 74 points from 30 games.
It put the Citizens four clear of Liverpool before the latter’s game with Burnley later on Sunday.
LEAD: Pep Guardiola's men march on. Photo: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS
Sterling’s opening goal following a goalless first half was awarded after originally being ruled out for offside.
A long discussion between referee Paul Tierney and his assistant saw the decision reversed with Sterling ruled to have been played onside by Watford’s Daryl Janmaat, whose challenge saw the ball ricochet off the striker’s leg into the net.
Yet if the opener was debatable, there was no argument about the other two as Sterling made it 15 league goals for the season
“It’s a massive win,” Sterling told the BBC. “In my head, I am hoping and praying (that the first goal would be awarded). I was hoping my goal didn’t get cancelled out. We got it and it kick-started our game.”