Pep changes add spring to Manchester City

ALTHOUGH it’s taken a year longer than many expected, Manchester City are finally beginning to resemble a Pep Guardiola- coached team.

City remained in rampant form as they ended Watford’s unbeaten start to the English Premier League with a resounding 6- 0 victory at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Guardiola’s side has scored 15 goals in three matches since the international break, following 5- 0 and 4- 0 wins over Liverpool and Feyernood spectively.

City stuttered to a thirdplace finish in Guardiola’s debut season while failing to produce the stylish play of their manager’s former sides, but a second straight off- season of significant personnel changes appears to be paying dividends.

“It was so good, especially after an away game in the Champions League,” Guardiola said. re-

“I was lucky to manage Barcelona with many outstanding performances but this week has been a lot of goals.”

Sergio Aguero scored a predatory hat trick and laid on an assist for Gabriel Jesus, while Nicolas Otamendi headed in and Raheem Sterling added a late penalty.

Elsewhere, Liverpool failed to shake off the effects of last week’s thrashing by City, letting Burnley leave Anfield with a 1- 1 draw.

Crystal Palace became the first club in league history to lose their opening five games without scoring.

Swansea brought Tottenham back to earth in a scoreless draw at Wembley, three days after Spurs tore apart Borussia Dortmund.

Newcastle made it three league wins a row by beating Stoke 3- 1, Leicester and Huddersfield drew 1- 1 and West Brom and West Ham played out a goalless draw.