Sterling hat-trick sends Man City 4 points clear of Liverpool

Raheem Sterling struck a second half hat-trick as champions Manchester City put pressure on title rivals Liverpool with a 3-1 win over Watford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The win moved Premier League leaders City four points clear of Liverpool ahead of their home game against Burnley on Sunday, of which Liverpool can cut the gap to a point with a victory.

Sterling put City ahead with a controversial goal that was initially ruled out for offside before referee Paul Tierney changed his mind after lengthy consultation with his assistant.

There was no argument about Sterling's second as he simply tapped in a Riyad Mahrez cross from close range after he was left alone by the goal line.

The England winger completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute – cutting in from the left, behind Daryl Janmaat, to latch on to a fine David Silva pass, and ghosting across two defenders before drilling home.

Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Watford FC at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, UK, March 9, 2019. /VCG Photo 

This was their 10th win in their last 11 Premier League games and sixth straight victory in the competition.

Pep Guardiola's side have won 45 of the 48 points available at home.

“It is the end part of the season so every game is important,” City manager Guardiola said.

“For three months we wait to be top of the league and now we have to try and win our games. I am sorry if it (the first goal) is offside but we deserve to win.”

City now turn their attention to their Champions League last 16 return leg against Germany's Schalke 04 on Tuesday, which they lead 3-2.