Manchester: 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 here, Saturday.
City and Sterling had fortune on their side to end Watford’s resistence 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.
“The first goal will be debated. I don’t like this situation but it is what it is. I’m sorry if it was offside but we deserved to win,” said City boss Pep Guardiola. “Next season, hopefully, we will have VAR and it will be clear.”
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.
AFP