Gabriel Jesus was the name on every lip and the major talking point at the Etihad Stadium, as his four goals helped reigning Premier League champions Manchester City to a resounding 5-1 win against Watford on Saturday afternoon.
The Brazilian whose future at the club remains uncertain, took full advantage of finding himself in the starting line-up notched a brace each at both halves as the Cityzens stretched their lead at the summit to four points, albeit having played a game more than closest challengers Liverpool.
It took Manchester City just four minutes to open the scoring and it was Gabriel Jesus who slotted home off an assist from Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko before doubling his team’s advantage in the 23rd minute following an assist from Kevin de Bruyne.
Watford pulled one back in what later turned out to be a mere consolation through Hassane Kamara before a sublime 25-yard volley from Rodri ensured the Cityzens held a two-goal advantage going into the break.
Pep Guardiola’s side didn’t have to wait long in the second half before finding their fourth of the afternoon. It took 14 seconds for Ben Foster to foul Jesus in the area, before the Brazilian dusted himself off to fire home from 12-yards and secure his first ever Premier League hat-trick, before netting a fourth to cap off a free-flowing City move.
City nearly succumbed to a sucker-punch from the visitors, but João Pedro headed agonisingly wide from Emmanuel Dennis’ pinpoint delivery – just about summing up Watford’s season and perhaps explains why they find themselves staring down the barrel of relegation. The victory keeps Guardiola’s side at the top of the PL table and heaps the pressure on Liverpool who play Everton on Sunday afternoon at Anfield in the Merseyside Derby.
Manchester City wrote themselves into English football folklore by becoming the first team to ever win 15 competitive games in a row against a single opponent as they strengthened their grip on top-spot with a 5-1 demolition of Watford.
Apex Football News 