City back to winning ways, brush aside Watford 3-1
Raheem Sterling scored the fastest goal of the Premier League season as leaders Manchester City got back on track with a 3-1 win against Watford on Tuesday, while Fernando Llorente put Tottenham on course for a 2-0 victory at his former club Swansea.
Sterling struck after just 38 seconds before Christian Kabasele’s first-half own goal put Pep Guardiola’s side in control at Eastlands. Sergio Aguero made it three as City gave the perfect response after their 18-game winning run was ended in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Unbeaten City are 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester United.
Andre Gray’s 82nd minute goal for Watford came way too late to avoid a sixth defeat in their last seven league matches.
With Harry Kane only fit enough for a place on the bench after illness, former Swansea striker Llorente made his first league start for Tottenham .
Llorente marked the occasion with a 12th minute goal
Kane, on as a second half substitute, playeda perfect pass to Dele Alli and the midfielder finished in the 89th minute.
LONDON:
Manchester City
Southampton West Ham Swansea Watford
Andy Carroll’s stoppage-time strike sealed a vital 2-1 win for West Ham against West Brom. While Crystal Palace secured a crucial 2-1 come from behind win over Southampton.
FIXTURE PILE-UP WILL KILL PLAYERS: PEP
Pep Guardiola claimed the fixture pile-up over the holiday season could “kill” players. The packed programme over Christmas is a stark contrast to most of the other top Europe leagues, who all have winter breaks.
“We made five changes from the last game but it’s not our fault,” he said.
“I know here in England the show must go on, but that’s not normal, guys. The big bosses should reflect that.
“We’re going to kill the players. The federations don’t think about the players but they have to.
MANCHESTER: