MAN CITY 3, WATFORD 1
Goodness knows what the score might have been had Manchester City not taken their foot off the accelerator early in the game against Watford at the Etihad.
City could conceivably have been 4-0 ahead inside 17 minutes – they were two up – following a whirlwind opening in which they swept aside the visitors.
It was as though City were only playing in first or second gear for the remainder of the game as there was no way back for Watford.
In the end they triumphed with goals from Raheem Sterling, Christian Kabasele’s own goal and Sergio Aguero.
More interesting than the game was manager Pep Guardiola’s post-match plea for an easing of the chaotic fixture schedule over the festive period.
Guardiola, whose City side has scored 16 goals in four games against the Hornets since he took charge, was speaking after Kyle Walker limped off with what appeared to be a groin strain having played on Sunday at Crystal Palace and little over 48 hours later against Watford.
He said: “The Federation has to reflect, even though the show must go on. It is not normal to play so many games.
“There are lots on anti-doping tests every week, but we have to protect the players as we are here, not for me or you, but the players.
“People enjoy the performances of the players, not the manager at the press conference or what you write.
“That is the mistake here – quantity, not quality. The players must be protected. How many players are picking up muscle injuries.
“We have a lot of staff here – doctors, physios and medics, but it is the schedule that is not protecting the players.
“It is not the same if you have to play every two or three days or every five or six days, but tradition is tradition.
“I say it is just about the players. Think about it as they are the artists.”
Kevin De Bruyne made a surprise return after being hurt by a horror tackle at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
John Stones was back after a lengthy injury lay off and there were recalls Fabian Delph, David Silva and Sterling.
The players to make way were Eliaquim Mangala, Danilo, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and the injured Gabriel Jesus.
City made a dream start taking the lead after 38 seconds with the fastest Premier League goal of the season.
Leroy Sane cut the ball back from the left and Sterling swept home the ball from six yards for his 18th goal of the season. It was the third quickest by a City player in the Premier League era.
And it ought to have been 2-0 inside five minutes when Sane again cut the ball back from the left, but this time Stones blazed over from seven yards.
City found the net again in the 13th as De Bruyne crossed from the left and Kabasele, sliding in to clear, only succeeded in slicing the ball past keeper Heurelho Gomes.
Watford were enduring a torrid time and De Bruyne almost added a third goal. His free kick cleated the wall, but Gomes managed to tip it on to the crossbar.
The visitors would have halved the deficit on the half hour but for a fine save by Ederson Moraes to keep out an effort from Andre Gray.
After a whirlwind opening the game hit a lull as City, two goals ahead, knew they were effectively home and dry so why bust a gut, even at this early stage.
Watford had another chance when Kyle Walker’s error let in Etienne Capoue, but he could only shoot straight at Ederson.
The second half was little more than a training match that lacked intensity as City dominated without barely breaking sweat, though Aguero had a great chance to add a third goal, but headed well wide from an inviting position.
That was followed by Nicolas Otamendi heading wide from a De Bruyne cross as City carved out the occasional opening.
City finally added a third goal in the 63rd minute when Gomes spilled a low De Bruyne cross leaving Aguero with a simple tap in for his 16th goal of the season and his 10th strike in six games against the Hornets.
Guardiola made his first change mid half when Stones, on his return, was wisely substituted by Danilo. And he was soon followed by Yaya Toure who came on for Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva who took over from De Bruyne.
Watford, now with only one win in 10 league games, scored a consolation goal with seven minutes left when Andre Carrillo’s cross was turned in by Andre Gray from five yards, the first goal City had conceded in 352 minutes in the Premier League.
Sterling came close to adding a fourth goal in the 89th minute, but his fiercely struck shot was beaten out by Gomes.
Watford were denied what appeared a clear penalty in stoppage time when substitute Roberto Pereyra looked to be brought down, but referee Lee Mason was unmoved.