Watford 1-2 Manchester City
This Premier League contest between Watford and Manchester City was supposed to be a routine outing for Pep Guardiola’s boys. This was supposed to be an easy game where the Premier League 2018 highlights will be all Man City.
The league leaders are yet to lose in the league, and the quality of players they have on their roster is just outrageous. Two of their stars set them on cruise control, but a late goal by the Hornets set this game up for a steely and action-packed finale.
Highlights of the game
Manchester City didn’t field their strongest team against their hosts, but the XI that they fielded was still strong enough to bring Watford to their knees and repeat what happened last weekend against Bournemouth. Javi Gracia fielded his usual 4-2-2-2 in order to stop the Sky Blues and force a win by clogging the middle with talented players.
The first half started off with Manchester City trying to establish an early lead over the Hornets. While Roberto Pereyra showed off a brilliant individual effort during the first ten minutes of the game, but good defending by the Sky Blues made sure that his attempt didn’t even make Ederson sweat.
While the Argentine tried his best from the left wing, it was Leroy Sane who made a meaningful threat in the 11th minute. The Germany international got hold of a superb long pass and challenged Ben Foster with a powerful shot. Unfortunately for him, Foster was alert and made a superb save.
That was not the only time Foster’s number was called throughout the game, however. In the 19th minute, Riyad Mahrez was open with the ball inside the box and there was not a defender close to him. He made a shot, but Foster was there to make the block. Bernardo Silva picked up the rebound only for the veteran stopper to make another save.
The frustration was mounting amongst the City players and fans as Watford’s persistent defence denied them of getting a goal. Gabriel Jesus pulled off an incredible run, beating two defenders and getting into the danger zone. However, his shot was subpar as Foster was just incredible in between the sticks.
Unfortunately for the pleased fans at Vicarage Road, their team cannot stop the Citizens from getting their goal. Riyad Mahrez had the ball on the right-hand side of the Watford half in the 40th minute. He then launched an arching cross to the far post. Sane, who is expected to stay with Manchester City for years, beat the offside trap and chested the ball past Foster for the game’s first goal.
The half ended with Mahrez trying to add to the lead, but the Watford backline denied him of an opportunity to get a proper shot off. While the Hornets are behind, Javi Gracia didn’t have dire of a situation in his hands. As long as he got his team on the right mindset, they would be able to beat the pre-match Premier League 2018 predictions made about this match and get a positive result.
However, Mahrez would put them in a 0-2 ditch six minutes after the restart. The CAF African Player of the Year nominee was free on the right wing after Gabriel Jesus attracted the attention of the defence on the left. He fired a quick shot that Foster had no chance of saving.
From that point on, almost everyone at Vicarage Road knew that it would be an uphill struggle for the Hornets to surprise and sting the Citizens where it hurts. City completely dominated whenever they had the football, and they were quick to dispossess Watford whenever they got the football. Foster was especially alert when Silva, Jesus and Mahrez tested him time and time again.
However, the Hornets have somehow finally found their sting in the 85th minute. Watford’s never-say-die attitude saw them saw Ederson make a brilliant save. However, the ball flew towards Abdoulaye Doucoure, and the midfielder forced a goal after a bit of a goalmouth scramble.
Vicarage Road got tense as Watford upped the ante of their attacks. They hounded the Manchester City goal time and time again, and Pep’s boys did everything they can to hold them off. The boys in yellow were forcing the issue, chocking long ball after long ball as they tried to chase a late equaliser. The Sky Blues managed to stand firm and end the game as 1-2 winners.
Key statistics
This game can be split between the first 85 minutes and the final five. Manchester City dominated possession of the football for 70% of the match, but they fluffed five of their 15 shot attempts. Meanwhile, it’s safe to assume the majority of Watford’s eight shot attempts in the second half was made in the last five minutes.
Both Foster and Ederson were busy as both sides were pesky in front of goal. Ederson was slightly busier with his six saves, but Foster’s five stops didn’t lose out on quality.
What’s next?
The SBOBET football fans will continue to get busy as both sides have superb fixtures in store. Manchester City will be squaring off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the weekend before welcoming Hoffenheim to the Etihad to end the Champions League group stage.
Meanwhile, Watford will travel to Goodison Park to trade blows with Everton. Afterwards, they will welcome relegation-threatened Cardiff City to Vicarage Road. Expect the crowd to just be as passionate in that game as they were here.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
