Manchester City survive late scare against Watford

Relive all the action from Manchester City's visit to Watford

Manchester City 2018/19 Premier League profile

Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points with a 2-1 win at Watford thanks to the magic of Riyad Mahrez on Tuesday.

The home side had kept City at bay for most of the first half but Ben Foster's goal was finally breached five minutes before the break when a cross from Algerian Mahrez was edged past the goalkeeper by the chest of Leroy Sane.

Mahrez scored himself shortly after halftime by firing in with his devastating left foot from the middle of the area.

City were easing to another victory when Abdoulaye Doucoure bundled the ball home after a goal-line scramble five minutes from time to give Pep Guardiola's side a nervy finish.

Watford, who have not won since October, pressed in vain for an equaliser as they suffered their third successive defeat.

Reuters

Relive all the action below

What time does it start?

Watford vs Manchester City kicks off at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday 4 December.

Where can I watch?

Watford vs Manchester City will be shown live on BT Sport 1. Subscribers can also stream the game online or via the BT Sport App.

Highlights will be shown on Wednesday at 22:45 on BBC One.

Player to watch

City have scored a huge amount more than any other team in the league, but their conviction at the other end of the field has been criminally unsung. At the heart of this is Aymeric Laporte. The Frenchman distributes the ball exceptionally well- he’s behind only Jorginho for completed passes. Without the ball his aggressive defending on the front foot has denied forwards space and helped City stay high up the pitch. As long as he isn’t rested, Laporte looks set to continue his imperious vain of form.

Form guide

Watford: WLDLL

Manchester City: WWWWW

Odds

Watford: 9/1

Draw: 9/2

Manchester City: 2/

[4 December 2018 21:54 · Michael Jones]

A round up of tonight's results: 

Bournemouth 2 - 1 Huddersfield

Brighton 3 - 1 Crystal Palace

West Ham 3 - 1 Cardiff

Watford 1 - 2 Manchester City

[4 December 2018 21:56 · Michael Jones]

Manchester City remain top of the table and go five points clear at least until Liverpool play tomorrow. 

Bournemouth move up to sixth with Brighton into the top ten. 

The win for West Ham puts them into 12th.

[4 December 2018 21:57 · Michael Jones]

Watford slip to 11th with Cardiff, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield occupying the spots just above the relegation zone.