Agüero 60', 79', 90', Kolarov 87' Forestieri 21', Deeney 30'
Super Sergio saves City's blushes.
Sergio Agüero netted a thirty minute hat-trick on Saturday to swiftly remove the stings of a war-like Watford display. The Hornets flew to a surprise early 2-0 lead at the Etihad Stadium, but a double dose of South American sparkle swatted away Sannino's side in the second half.
Unaffected by the intimidation of the country's most terrifying arena, the visitors stunned the Etihad into silence with a deserved goal on the 21 minute-mark. A vicious mix of complacency and lethargy seeped into the step of a Manchester City side who strolled into the stadium expecting yet another comprehensive victory, however, their passiveness was punished when Fernando Forestieri slotted past Costel Pantillimon to earn his side a shock lead.
But the early sting did nothing to invigorate the home side who were on their way to sacrificing their first domestic home loss of the season. Just nine minutes later, Martin Demichelis presented Sean Murray with the opportunity to spark another fluent Watford move that saw Troy Deeney double their tally. Euphoric, a travelling Watford crowd questioned the Etihad why they couldn't play us every week.
(Stung: Watford take an early two goal lead at the Etihad Stadium)
In desperate need of a slapped bottom, Pellegrini's peasants waddled down the tunnel and into the decibels of their maniacal manager's screams. Whatever the Chilean said, it certainly worked, and the blues tackled the second half in tantalising fashion.
The introduction of Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta solidified a delicate looking defence and the blues were back in it within 15 minutes of the re-start. Aleksandar's fizzing ball found the boot of Edin Džeko whose initial effort was parried and tap in by Sergio Agüero. The Argentine's fourth goal in four games since returning from injury applied an imperative dose of hope into an Etihad audience who began to believe their side could make a comeback.
(South-American saviour: Agüero fires City back into the game)
As memories of our oscillating history flooded the stadium, a knowing grin emerged onto the faces of a nostalgic crowd. Celebrating a goal that still left us 2-1 down to the Championship's 15th placed side seemed ridiculous, but our home form this season promised more than just the consolation goal. With 11 minutes to go and time running out, Agüero curled home a delicious effort to put City level.
(All square: The Argentine finishes beautifully to put his side level)
With just ten of the tie remaining and the blues in the ascendancy, the Etihad roared for a fearsome finale.
And it came. With just three minutes left to play, Aleksandar Kolarov's effort found its way through the hands of Jonathan Bond to complete a courageous comeback.
The final nail in the coffin was dealt by Sergio Agüero who nodded in his hat-trick with the last kick of the game.
(The blues see off Watford with two late goals)
A coruscating clan of strikers makes Manuel Pellegrini's 'we'll score more than you' approach an effective way of winning for Manchester City, but against better opposition, our shaky defence is bound to become even more flustered. The early scare initiated a reaction from City that fans may never have seen five years ago, but with just six days left in the transfer window, our pursuit of a defender may just hit a brick wall.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6 - Wasn't protected well by his defence in the first half and despite conceding two, the big Romanian could do nothing to stop them.
Micah Richards 5 - Unfortunately, the gap in quality between Richards and Zabaleta is growing rapidly and the Englishman showed little to prove otherwise in a shaky performance.
Joleon Lescott 5 - The solidity he showed against West Ham evaded him and he played his part in a rocky defensive display. Looked more comfortable with Kompany by his side in the second half.
Martin Demichelis 4.5 - Pellegrini seems to like him, but he did nothing to win over the crowd in an abysmal first half showing. A lack of pace and concentration on the ball allowed the visitors to take a potentially fatal 2-0 lead and his move into midfield seemed odd.
Aleksandar Kolarov 5 - Scored, but reminded City fans that he still has a poor performance to offer.
Marcos Lopes 5 - Fragile and anonymous, the teenager wasn't able to affect the game like his did on Tuesday.
Yaya Touré 5 - Loves to go missing in the small games and always seems the most complacent. Plodded along and offered little in a game he should have dominated.
Jack Rodwell 5 - Solid tackling, but not a lot else from the man every City fan was happy to see back. Substituted at half time.
Jesús Navas 7 - Assisted two of Agüero's goals and did his best to trouble Watford down the flanks.
Sergio Agüero 8 - Saved the blues in another inspired second half performance. Five goals in 4 appearances since returning to first team football has been a major boost to the blues and his hat-trick proved his class again on Saturday.
Edin Džeko 5 - Outshone by his brilliant strike partner and may sacrifice his place on Wednesday against Tottenham.
Shots: Manchester City 15 - 8 Watford
Shots on target: Manchester City 9 - 2 Watford
Corners: Manchester City 10 - 2 Watford
Fouls: Manchester City 6 - 10 Watford
But the early sting did nothing to invigorate the home side who were on their way to sacrificing their first domestic home loss of the season. Just nine minutes later, Martin Demichelis presented Sean Murray with the opportunity to spark another fluent Watford move that saw Troy Deeney double their tally. Euphoric, a travelling Watford crowd questioned the Etihad why they couldn't play us every week.
(Stung: Watford take an early two goal lead at the Etihad Stadium)
In desperate need of a slapped bottom, Pellegrini's peasants waddled down the tunnel and into the decibels of their maniacal manager's screams. Whatever the Chilean said, it certainly worked, and the blues tackled the second half in tantalising fashion.
The introduction of Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta solidified a delicate looking defence and the blues were back in it within 15 minutes of the re-start. Aleksandar's fizzing ball found the boot of Edin Džeko whose initial effort was parried and tap in by Sergio Agüero. The Argentine's fourth goal in four games since returning from injury applied an imperative dose of hope into an Etihad audience who began to believe their side could make a comeback.
(South-American saviour: Agüero fires City back into the game)
As memories of our oscillating history flooded the stadium, a knowing grin emerged onto the faces of a nostalgic crowd. Celebrating a goal that still left us 2-1 down to the Championship's 15th placed side seemed ridiculous, but our home form this season promised more than just the consolation goal. With 11 minutes to go and time running out, Agüero curled home a delicious effort to put City level.
(All square: The Argentine finishes beautifully to put his side level)
With just ten of the tie remaining and the blues in the ascendancy, the Etihad roared for a fearsome finale.
And it came. With just three minutes left to play, Aleksandar Kolarov's effort found its way through the hands of Jonathan Bond to complete a courageous comeback.
The final nail in the coffin was dealt by Sergio Agüero who nodded in his hat-trick with the last kick of the game.
(The blues see off Watford with two late goals)
A coruscating clan of strikers makes Manuel Pellegrini's 'we'll score more than you' approach an effective way of winning for Manchester City, but against better opposition, our shaky defence is bound to become even more flustered. The early scare initiated a reaction from City that fans may never have seen five years ago, but with just six days left in the transfer window, our pursuit of a defender may just hit a brick wall.
Player Ratings
Costel Pantillimon 6 - Wasn't protected well by his defence in the first half and despite conceding two, the big Romanian could do nothing to stop them. Micah Richards 5 - Unfortunately, the gap in quality between Richards and Zabaleta is growing rapidly and the Englishman showed little to prove otherwise in a shaky performance. Joleon Lescott 5 - The solidity he showed against West Ham evaded him and he played his part in a rocky defensive display. Looked more comfortable with Kompany by his side in the second half. Martin Demichelis 4.5 - Pellegrini seems to like him, but he did nothing to win over the crowd in an abysmal first half showing. A lack of pace and concentration on the ball allowed the visitors to take a potentially fatal 2-0 lead and his move into midfield seemed odd. Aleksandar Kolarov 5 - Scored, but reminded City fans that he still has a poor performance to offer. Marcos Lopes 5 - Fragile and anonymous, the teenager wasn't able to affect the game like his did on Tuesday. Yaya Touré 5 - Loves to go missing in the small games and always seems the most complacent. Plodded along and offered little in a game he should have dominated. Jack Rodwell 5 - Solid tackling, but not a lot else from the man every City fan was happy to see back. Substituted at half time. Jesús Navas 7 - Assisted two of Agüero's goals and did his best to trouble Watford down the flanks. Sergio Agüero 8 - Saved the blues in another inspired second half performance. Five goals in 4 appearances since returning to first team football has been a major boost to the blues and his hat-trick proved his class again on Saturday. Edin Džeko 5 - Outshone by his brilliant strike partner and may sacrifice his place on Wednesday against Tottenham.
Substitutes
Vincent Kompany 7 - Got the blues going and shored up a struggling back four
Pablo Zabaleta 7 - Another to solidify the back line and push City forward
Stevan Jovetić 6 - Did his best to spring attacks
Match Stats
Possession: Manchester City 60% - 40% Watford
