Sterling hat-trick takes City four clear, Southampton stun fading Spurs

Raheem Sterling's rapid second-half hat-trick moved Manchester City four points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Watford as Tottenham's hopes of a top-four finish faltered again in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton.

The Saints' spirited second-half comeback ensured they remain two points above the relegation zone despite Cardiff's 2-0 win over West Ham, while victory for Brighton and Newcastle also boosted their survival hopes on Saturday.

City and Sterling had fortune on their side to end Watford's resistence after a goalless first-half.

A minute into the second period Sterling was initially flagged offside as Daryl Janmaat's attempted clearance ricocheted off the England winger and into the net.

However, after a long discussion with his assistant, referee Paul Tierney awarded the goal because Janmaat's intervention meant Sterling was onside.

"The first goal will be debated. I don't like this situation but it is what it is. I'm sorry if it was offside but we deserved to win," said City boss Pep Guardiola.

"Next season, hopefully, we will have VAR and it will be clear."
- Spurs on the slide -
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"When you lose the momentum after 45 minutes, that is about mentality, that is about being strong and keeping the right. For us, we lost the momentum and gave them relief."