Watford
Foster – 9: Produced an astonishing save when Rodri’s deflected shot looked to be looping into the top corner. Saved Sterling’s penalty well before the follow-up was smashed in. Made numerous other important saves throughout. If not for the goalkeeper’s showing, it could have been a double-digit scoreline.
Mariappa – 5: Was arguably fortunate not to see a penalty awarded against him after blocking a shot with his hands – might have deserved the benefit of the doubt, though.
Kabasele – 5: Did fairly well under testing circumstances, but lost solidity and spirit as the game wore on.
Dawson – 6: Flung himself at the ball to block well in the opening moments.
Femenia – 6: Showed sharpness and energy to read and intercept some City attacks early on.
Cleverley – 5: Worked tirelessly to chase the ball in the first half. Was spent after the break, however, and could only chase shadows.
Hughes – 5: Took the bait to bring down Sterling for the penalty, although the midfielder might have been a little bit unlucky that the spot-kick was awarded.
Doucoure – 6: Tried to stride forward as and when opportunities arose, but was subdued handily by City.
Sarr – 5: Had little to work with – chances were always going to be a rare commodity.
Deeney – 6: Held up the ball well and won set pieces for his team, slowing the tempo. Contributions were muted by City, though.
Pereyra – 6: Full of verve but lacking an end product.
Manchester City
Ederson – 7: Wasn’t tested much, but was focused and reliable when called upon.
Walker – 7: Showed composure up both ends of the pitch and picked out Sterling well for the opener (accidentally, it seemed).
Garcia – 7: Not a particularly taxing afternoon for the 19-year-old.
Laporte – 7: Headed home a pinpoint free-kick from De Bruyne in the second half. Had little to do defensively.
Cancelo – 6: A rare appearance for the left-back and that showed at times, for example with a weak clearance in the first half that nearly set up Watford. Improved in the second half, however.
Rodri – 8: A real presence in midfield for the visitors.
De Bruyne – 7: Belgian was somewhat stifled by a compact Watford rearguard. Provided the assist for Laporte with a delightful free-kick, though, as his deliveries sharpened throughout the evening.
B. Silva – 8: Influence grew as the game went on, and by the end he was oozing confidence.
Foden – 8: Looks increasingly at ease – and important – in Man City’s midfield. Reacted well to turn in the third after Foster denied Sterling.
Sterling – 9: A menace from the opening whistle. Opened the scoring with a thunderbolt after a great first touch. Made up for his penalty miss by reacting well to score the rebound. Was only denied more by an inspired Foster.
Jesus – 6: Similarly to in most of his recent appearances, the striker often looked frustrated. For all of City’s goals, the Brazilian still couldn’t get on the scoresheet. Ruled offside with a late header.
