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 20:04 · Michael Jones]

17 mins: Brighton 0 - 0 Crystal Palace

The ball is slotted into the box from van Aanholt and Townsend gets his head to it but he sends it high and wide of goal. A good chance for Crystal Palace. 

[4 December 2018 20:08 · Michael Jones]

7 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Man City

Watford are asked to do quite a bit of defending here. Man City work the ball quickly down the right before slotting it back into the centre of the pitch. Mahrez gets it back and tries to dink it into the box to set up David Silva but Watford manage to get it clear. 

[4 December 2018 20:08 · Michael Jones]

22 mins: Bournemouth 2 - 0 Huddersfield - Fraser

Bournemouth double their lead and it's Wilson and Fraser who combine again for the goal. Wilson breaks away quickly before giving the ball to Fraser who shoots from the centre of the box and sinks it into the back of the net. 

[4 December 2018 20:11 · Michael Jones]

10 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Man City

Sane makes an interception on the halfway line and bombs forward, moving with the ball to the left of the goal. Foster comes flying off his line and makes the save as Sane tries to lift the ball over him. 

[4 December 2018 20:12 · Michael Jones]

24 mins: Brighton 1 - 0 Crystal Palace - Murray

José Izquierdo is brought down by James McArthur in Palace's area and Brighton have a penalty. 

Glenn Murray steps up and scores it easily with a powerful shot to the top corner. 

[4 December 2018 20:17 · Michael Jones]

28 mins: Brighton 1 - 0 Crystal Palace

Shane Duffy gets shown the red card for violent conduct and Brighton are down to ten men!

[4 December 2018 20:19 · Michael Jones]

31 mins: Brighton 2 - 0 Crystal Palace - Balogun

What scenes at the Amex stadium!

Leon Balogun having just come onto the pitch doubles Brighton's lead. The corner comes into the box and falls to Balogun who puts it into the back of the net. 

[4 December 2018 20:22 · Michael Jones]

20 mins: Watford 0 - 0 Man City

Some desperate goalkeeping from Foster keeps things level at Vicarage Road. Man City, as expected, are dominating possession and causing serious problems for Watford but it remains goalless so far. 

[4 December 2018 20:25 · Michael Jones]

35 mins: West Ham 0 - 0 Cardiff

Oh Cardiff!

Arnautovic brings Hoilett down in West Ham's box and Cardiff have a penalty.

Joe Ralls steps up to the penalty spot and hits it with his left foot but Fabianski makes the save!

[4 December 2018 20:26 · Michael Jones]

38 mins: Bournemouth 2 - 1 Huddersfield - Kongolo

I said we could be in for a spectacle!

Huddersfield get a goal back courtesy of Terence Kongolo. Huddersfield put a corner ball into the box, Zanka heads it on and Kongolo finishes with a header of his own to the top left corner.