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Bernardo Silva scored twice as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 for a fifth successive victory that moved them top of the table for the first time this season.
Raheem Sterling headed the champions in front on four minutes when he converted Phil Foden’s cross from close range.
Sterling and Jack Grealish each drew saves from Daniel Bachmann before a dominant City doubled their lead on 31 minutes.
Ilkay Gundogan’s initial effort was blocked but the ball fell for Bernardo, who skilfully found the net from a narrow angle.
City made it 3-0 on 63 minutes when Bernardo brilliantly curled in his second.
Cucho Hernandez pulled a goal back for Watford on 74 minutes, converting at the second attempt.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Watford v Manchester City – Vicarage Road, Watford, Britain – December 4, 2021 Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/David Klein EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Watford threatened again when Joshua King fired wide, but a third straight defeat leaves them 17th on 13 points, three above the bottom three.
City leapfrog Chelsea and Liverpool on 35 points, one clear of the Reds.
See: Watford report | Man City report
Next fixtures
Watford: 10 Dec v Brentford (A)
Man City: 11 Dec v Wolves (H)
Match officials
Referee: Simon Hooper. Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Darren Cann. Fourth official: Rob Jones. VAR: John Brooks. Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.