Sterling Hatrick Sinks Watford, Consolidates Manchester City Lead

9th March 2019 - by AFP

The leaders have now opened a four point gap against second placed Liverpool who have a game in hand

Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (L) vies with Watford's Dutch defender Daryl Janmaat during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Watford at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 9, 2019. PHOTO/ AFP

SUMMARY

Raheem Sterling's rapid second-half hat-trick moved Manchester City four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Watford as Tottenham's hopes of a top-four finish faltered again in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday
Sterling then completed his hat-trick with some neat footwork from Silva's pass before Watford substitute Gerard Deulofeu pulled a goal back just 22 seconds after coming on
Huddersfield also look dead and buried as Bournemouth cruised to their first away win since October with a 2-0 victory at the John Smith's Stadium thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser

LONDON, United Kingdom- Raheem Sterling's rapid second-half hat-trick moved Manchester City four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Watford as Tottenham's hopes of a top-four finish faltered again in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.

City and Sterling had fortune on their side to end Watford's resistance after a goalless first-half.

A minute into the second period Sterling was initially flagged offside as Daryl Janmaat's attempted clearance ricocheted off the England winger and into the net.

However, after a long discussion with his assistant, referee Paul Tierney awarded the goal because Janmaat's intervention meant Sterling was onside.

There was no doubt when Sterling rounded off a fine team move involving David Silva and Riyad Mahrez four minutes later.

Sterling then completed his hat-trick with some neat footwork from Silva's pass before Watford substitute Gerard Deulofeu pulled a goal back just 22 seconds after coming on.

Brendan Rodgers secured his first win as Leicester boss thanks to Jamie Vardy's double to beat Fulham, who are now 13 points adrift of safety, 3-1.

"He's showed over the last couple of years that he's a world-class striker," said Rodgers. "I'm just really glad that he’s here. He's a brilliant focal point for the team."

Huddersfield also look dead and buried as Bournemouth cruised to their first away win since October with a 2-0 victory at the John Smith's Stadium thanks to goals from Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.

Cardiff, though, gave themselves hope as early goals in each half from Junior Hoilett and Victor Camarasa gave the Welsh side a precious three points over a hugely disappointing West Ham.

Brighton also secured a much-needed win to move level on points with rivals Crystal Palace, five above the drop zone, as Anthony Knockaert's stunning strike 16 minutes from time earned a 2-1 win.