Manchester City's big win over Watford gave a new dimension to the Premier League's relegation battle with the fate of the latter now partly hinging on results elsewhere. Tuesday's clash saw Raheem Sterling go level with his record for his best haul in a single campaign with a brace as his side run away with a 4-0 victory.
Sterling ensured that any hope of Watford excelling after the sack of Nigel Pearson was thrown out in the first half by breaking the deadlock with a 31st-minute strike. Nine minutes later, the England international earned a penalty and scored from the rebound from his saved attempt.
19 - @sterling7 has now scored 19 @premierleague goals this season, his outright best return in the competition in a single campaign. Heights. #WATMCI pic.twitter.com/jzUjAQqfIj
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 21, 2020
In the 63rd minute, Phil Foden volleyed home Sterling's shot saved by Ben Foster to grab Manchester City's third. Three minutes later America Laporte headed home De Bruyne free-kick to seal the night's big win.
With the goal difference of Watford significantly slashed, caretaker manager Hayden Mullins now faces a tough task to keep the Hornets afloat, especially in the case where Aston Villa wins their outstanding game against Arsenal on Tuesday. A win over the Gunners will lift the Villains above the Hornets who will face the former in their last game of the season on Sunday.
In the away trip to Emirates, the Vicarage Road outfit will be required to beat Arsenal with a better goal margin while hoping that both Aston Villa and Bournemouth drop points in their respective games.
