Man City sting Hornets with late rally to escape with win

Matt Haynes | January 2, 2016

Watford 1-2 Manchester City

Entertaining opening sees penalty appeal turned down

Manchester City, odds-on at 1/2 with Coral to beat Everton next time out, rallied late to come from a goal down to beat Watford.

The match started brightly and after striker Odion Ighalo flashed an effort wide after a mistake from Eliaquim Mangala, the hosts had a penalty appeal turned down when Nicola Otamendi misplaced a ball, Aleksandar Kolarov was on hand to outmuscle Troy Deeney, with the referee ruling a fair challenge.

Ighalo, who was a handful throughout, then went close after a sublime piece of skill which saw him outsmart Otamendi, before Joe Hart rushed out to make the save.

Visitors turn the screw

David Silva was starting to run the show for City and he was pulling the Hornets defence all over the place with his sublime passing and movement.

It was this that led to a free-kick from 25 yards out, with Kevin De Bruyne taking the opportunity to test Huerelho Gomes who made a meal of the situation, allowing Sergio Aguero a free header which flew just over the bar.

A breathless first half continued at Vicarage Road with City going close a number of occasions, through Fernandinho and Aguero.

Second half adds more sting

If the first period flew, then the second was breathless. After just 10 minutes, a Ben Watson corner was turned in by Kolarov to hand the hosts a shock though nonetheless deserved 1-0 lead.

City responded with ruthless retribution. Silva, De Bruyne and Jesus Navas were simply sensational and Kolarov made amends on 80 minutes when his corner was met by Yaya Toure, whose volley at the near post left Gomes with no chance.

Two minutes later City scored the goal which could make all the difference in their Premier League title bid, with Aguero meeting Bacary Sagna’s cross with his head to put Manuel Pellegrini’s men in dreamland.

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