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

(PA)

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.

Man City vs Watford Premier League updates

• Manchester City beat Watford in the Premier League
• Gabriel Jesus puts City ahead before heading home second
• Hassane Kamara pulls one back for Watford
• Rodri restores two-goal advantage from range
• Jesus wraps up hat-trick from spot before adding fourth

[23 April 2022 16:09 · Sarah Rendell]

PENALTY! Manchester City 4-1 Watford (Jesus, 48’)

Jesus has his hat-trick!

After a delayed check from VAR as they cannot hear the hub, so they couldn’t go ahead with the penalty until that message was communicated.

The star slots it past Foster, the keeper hsi own demise as he is the one whose foul caused this.

[23 April 2022 16:06 · Sarah Rendell]

Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 46 mins

A very quick update as 14 seconds into the second half Foster gives away a penalty with Jesus taken out!

[23 April 2022 16:06 · Sarah Rendell]

Back underway! Manchester City 3-1 Watford

It’s mainly been a City party so far and Guardiola’s side will look to punish Watford in this second half.

The players are off in this second 45.

[23 April 2022 15:48 · Sarah Rendell]

Half-time: Manchester City 3-1 Watford

Sterling had a chance and a Watford corner gave the visitors an opportunity but the half-time score remains 3-1.

City haven’t had all of the say in this opening 45 but it’s definitely their match after three impressive scores.

Jesus has a brace and Rodri scored to give the hosts a commanding lead. Kamara slotted home to keep Watford in this but the holders should close out this match.

[23 April 2022 15:44 · Sarah Rendell]

Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 44 mins

The game has a slower pace as City look to close out this half after an impressive opening 45.

The hosts are building again here though with a long cross almost finding Cancelo on the far post, it goes just beyond him for a goal kick.

Cancelo fouls Cleverley and it ends with the City star booked.

[23 April 2022 15:39 · Sarah Rendell]

Manchester City 3-1 Watford, 39 mins

De Bruyne is okay, he is up and back in the match.

That goal has deflated Watford’s balloon with the team getting a foot back into it after Kamara’s goal.

City are so patient, they go through the passes and individual skill to dance around the defenders is impressive. Jesus puts in a cracking cross for Sterling but it sails over the bar. Guardiola looks so frustrated that didn’t hit the back of the net.

[23 April 2022 15:35 · Sarah Rendell]

GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 Watford (Rodri, 34’)

De Bruyne is down after he feeds Jesus, the ball comes back into the box and Rodri smashes it home!

All the momentum Watford have built disappates.

[23 April 2022 15:33 · Sarah Rendell]

Manchester City 2-1 Watford, 32 mins

It was well worked from Watford, it started with great control from Louza and the team just went through the passes until they found Kamara. He took a touch and then eased it past Ederson.

City are now looking to hit back but Watford have gained confidence from that goal. De Bruyne fouls Dennis to give possession back.

A free kick is pingedinto the box and City only just manages to deal with it.

What a story it would be if Watford can get right back in this!

[23 April 2022 15:30 · Sarah Rendell]

GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 Watford (Kamara, 28’)

That has come from nowhere!

A cracking cross from Dennis sees Kamara put Watford right back into this!

[23 April 2022 15:29 · Sarah Rendell]

Manchester City 2-0 Watford, 28 mins

What a player De Bruyne is, that ball was the best you’ll see. Jesus couldn’t believe his luck, he hardly had to move to head home.

Now the Belgium international concedes a corner, Watford’s first, but it’s handled well by City who are now on the counter.

Sterling wins a free kick from Ngakia, it’s just inside the City half and De Bruyne is over the ball with Zinchenko. But it’s the Belgian who takes it. The ball pinballs and City have to build from deep.

Kabasele cuts a ball away from Grealish but City are on the charge again, it’s relentless from the holders.