5 talking points from Manchester City's win over Watford
Manchester City cruised to a 3-1 victory against Watford at the Etihad, re-establishing their 15 point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Goals from Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, and a Christian Kabasele own goal gave City a comfortable 3-0 lead before Andre Gray turned home from close range eight minutes from time as a consolation for the Hornets.
Here are five talking points that arose from the City’s victory at the Etihad:
#5 Silva makes the difference
After two games without the Spaniard in the heart of midfield, David Silva returned for Manchester City, and he made a huge difference to their play.
It was somewhat surprising that Pep Guardiola played such a strong team given the form Watford have been in and the fact that City would have almost certainly beat the Hornets without Kevin De Bruyne and either of Sterling or Leroy Sane.
But, wanting a reaction after dropping points to Crystal Palace on Saturday, Guardiola went full strength. Did he get the reaction he wanted? Certainly.
Silva, De Bruyne, Sane, Sterling, and Aguero all linked up excellently all evening and should have contributed to more than just three goals in total.
However, of all five, the one who stood out the most was Silva. The central midfielder is the heartbeat of this City side and the team plays with such elegance and pace when he is involved.
In the past two matches, against Newcastle and Crystal Palace they scored just one goal, which has been unlike them this season. The Spaniard being missing seemed a direct reason for the lack of goals, and it was unsurprising that on his return, City was amongst the goals once again.
Although he didn’t set up any of the goals, his perfectly weighted balls for both Sane and De Bruyne for the first two goals were of huge importance. His return will be much welcomed by Guardiola, and will certainly help the way he wants to play.