Premier League 2018-19, Manchester City 3-1 Watford: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#3 Mahrez showed his quality with a brilliant display

Manchester City v Watford FC - Premier League

Despite the scores being level at the break, Mahrez was easily City's brightest spark and you could tell he was playing with a chip on his shoulder too. His matchwinning display from the bench on the South Coast last weekend merited his inclusion from the start here and in truth, he could've had a goal and assist before the interval.

An excellent searching cross fell nicely into David Silva's path, which the Spaniard headed narrowly wide after seven minutes. The Algerian himself could've been the beneficiary of a similar delivery himself if Aguero had looked up and spotted his run - rather than shooting - on the stroke of half-time.

Unsurprisingly, he was involved in most attacks and his eventual assist was more straightforward. Silva's deft nutmeg set him through, running into the box and calling for the ball behind an unsuspecting fullback Adam Masina. He slotted it across goal for Sterling, who made no mistake with the tap-in to double City's lead.

His movement was troublesome and if for better awareness from his teammates, he certainly would've got on the scoresheet. As for his match statistics, they speak for themselves: three key passes (82.5% pass accuracy) and aerial duels won, three dribbles completed, fouled twice, one interception.