Watford’s fears of falling were deepened as Manchester City won by a clean 0-4.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s men left Chelsea third-placed with 15 points clear.
Raheem Sterling struck on 31 and 40 minutes to all but kill the game off.
His first goal turned a routine move into something extraordinary, as Kyle Walker picked up a loose ball for a precision cross which Sterling fired at home through two sublime touches.
But his second one was a tap-in from a rebound from his own offence, which Ben Foster had stunningly foiled.
It was Sterling himself who had secured the spot-kick, when Will Hughes caused a penalty by his beautiful contact from a Phil Foden pass.
Craig Dawson then headed right on the half-time stroke for Watford a gaping chance at City keeper Ederson.
In the first half, it was Sterling’s double that sparked a City romp. It was then laced by the brilliance of Foden, who tapped City’s third goal.
Ever-lively on 63 minutes, Foden slotted into an open net. Kevin de Bruyne sent Sterling delightfully free, Foster foiling his attempt but Foden scored nonetheless.
And shortly after, Aymeric Laporte had been unmarked to head in the free-kick of De Bruyne. So, Laporte went home with the fourth and final goal of the game.
Watford – Manchester City (0:4):
Goals: 0-1 Sterling 31’, 0-2 Sterling 40’, 0-3 Foden 63’, 0-4 Laporte 66’
Yellow cards: Mariappa (W), Hughes (W)
Watford: Foster, Mariappa, Kabasele, Dawson, Kiko, Hughes, Doucoure, Cleverley, Pereyra, Deeney, Sarr
Manchester City: Ederson, Cancelo, Walker, Garcia, Laporte, De Bruyne, Rodri, Foden, Silva, Jesus, Sterlin
