Manchester City continued their convincing start to the Premier League season with another comfortable victory over newly-promoted Watford.
Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho’s second half goals were enough for the hosts, who cemented their place at the top of the table.
City’s firepower is in stark contrast to Watford, however, who are now without a goal in four games. Question marks hang over head coach Quique Sanchez Flores’ reluctance to influence the game offensively from the start and the substitutes bench.
Manchester City can break down stubborn defences
It has been a long-held opinion that City are easily frustrated by teams who sit back and look to make things as hard as possible for them, but they proved yesterday that they are now more than capable of remaining patient.
After a first in half in which they failed to create too much against a compact Watford, Manuel Pellegrini sent his troops back out in a purposeful mood, and was rewarded with an early goal in the second period.
The switch to 4-4-2 at half time showed tactical awareness, but it was City’s patience and determination which shone through.
Raheem Sterling is a star
With much debate over the economics of Sterling’s move to the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool, not much was spoken of his suitability for a club which will be after four different pieces of silverware this season.
The England international has made a stellar start, justifying his £49 million switch and proving his versatility by scoring within two minutes of his move to a more central role at half time.
His link-up play with David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov pulled Watford defenders all over the field, and although the Hornets stood firm in the first period they eventually tired.
Four encouraging performances from Sterling have gone some way to proving the doubters wrong.
Sanchez Flores may need to adapt
Flores names Rafa Benitez as something of a role model for his managerial style, and that was clear to see as the Spaniard adopted a clear tactical plan for his side.
With Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo used as wide defenders out of possession, the former Atletico Madrid boss’ intentions were clear.
It was not the lack of goalscoring threat which rankled, therefore – the plan did work in the first half – but the trend which it follows.
Two goalless home draws did not offer much in terms of entertainment and the Hornets’ lack of intent to try and force an equaliser does concern. Ben Watson and Miguel Layun appeared off the bench, with Alessandro Diamanti and estranged hotshot Matej Vydra left on their backsides.
Flores’ substitutions screamed of stubbornness, rather than an intent to try and find a route to goal, and he may find he needs to change that approach as the season wears on.
City in charge of the title race
We are just over three weeks into the new season, but Manchester City already have an eight-point lead over supposed nearest challengers Chelsea.
While, obviously, plenty of time remains, that trend continuing into the next group of games could see Manuel Pellegrini’s men cruising clear at the top.
There are no clear deficiencies in the side – juggling European football with the Premier League appears their only obvious hurdle – and they look a focused and determined outfit.
With the signing of Kevin de Bruyne set to strengthen the squad further, City have improved while already strong. This may just be the year when the dynasty which has threatened to break out at the Etihad for some time finally erupts.
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