Sterling quick off the mark against Watford as Man City extend advantage

Raheem Sterling scored the fastest goal in the Premier League so far this season as Manchester City cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Watford.

He converted a Leroy Sane cross after just 38 seconds and it was a sign of things to come as the hosts dominated throughout.

Christian Kabasele turned a Kevin De Bruyne cross into his own net for the second and De Bruyne almost got a goal for himself from a free-kick but saw his shot bounce back off the bar.

Sergio Aguero added a third in the second half from close range to maintain his excellent record against Watford, before the visitors got a late consolation through Andre Gray

The victory leaves Manchester City 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League whilst Watford are now 10th, having lost six of their last seven matches.

City get back to winning ways. It was a great night for the blue half of Manchester – starting before kick-off with the surprising news De Bruyne was fit to play. Nobody expected City’s season to fall apart following a draw with Crystal Palace last time out, but after that historic run of wins came to an end there was always a danger that standards could slip and tiredness could catch up with some players. There was no sign of that tonight.

Leroy Sane (Manchester City). Watford couldn’t handle him. He had Janmaat on toast and created numerous chances with his driven crosses, including the first goal, and was inches away from getting on the scoresheet himself. Sane in particular seemed to benefit from the return of David Silva, who he linked up with well all game.

1’ – GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 Watford (Sterling). City lead within 40 seconds! Sane gets in behind Janmaat and crosses low for Sterling to score at the back post.

13’ – GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 Watford (Kabasele o/g). The home side recycle the ball and it's worked to De Bruyne on the right, whose low cross is put into his own net by Kabasele as Aguero lurked behind him.

17’ – OFF THE BAR! Silva is fouled about 20 yards from goal, left of centre, and De Bruyne takes charge of proceedings. His shot takes a slight deflection off the wall before rattling the Watford crossbar.

63’ – GOAL! Manchester City 3-0 Watford (Aguero). City take a corner short to create a better angle for De Bruyne to cross, his low ball in is spilled by Gomes and Aguero is on hand to tap home.

76’ – CLOSE! Sterling crosses for Sane, who has an empty net ahead of him, but it's slightly too firm and the German is inches away from connecting with the ball.

82’ – GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 Watford (Gray). Carrillo glides past a stumbling Walker and sends in a low cross for Gray to score from close range.

Manchester City: Ederson 6, Walker 6, Otamendi 6, Stones 6, Delph 6, Fernandinho 7, David Silva 7, De Bruyne 8, Sterling 7, Sane 8, Aguero 6. Subs: Danilo 6, Toure 6, Bernardo Silva 6.

Watford: Gomes 6, Janmaat 5, Wague 6, Kabasele 6, Zeegelaar 6, Doucoure 6, Watson 5, Capoue 5, Carrillo 6, Richarlison 5, Gray 5. Subs: Cleverley 6, Pereyra 5, Sinclair 5.

Manchester City have won eight games on the bounce against Watford and are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings between the two.

Raheem Sterling has scored 14 Premier League goals already this season.

Sergio Aguero has scored 10 goals in six games against the Hornets.