Man City put five past Watford to secure third

MANCHESTER City sealed their place in next season’s Champions League by crushing Watford to finish third in Pep Guardiola’s debut season.

City skipper Vincent Kompany was left unmarked to head in an early opener before Sergio Aguero twice clinically fired in after quick counters-attacks

The Blues, needing a point to guarantee a finish in the top four, were 4-0 up at half-time after Fernandinho bundled in.

Gabriel Jesus clipped in a fifth after the break as Watford ended the reign of departing manager Walter Mazzarri with a shocking display.

Mazzarri, who leaves after just one season, was booed by some Hornets fans during the game as the hosts suffered a sixth successive defeat to finish in 17th place.

Guardiola delivers minimum requirement

Guardiola is one of the most celebrated coaches in world football and joined City, when he succeeded Manuel Pellegrini last summer, with high expectations after success-packed spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

The 46-year-old former Spain midfielder led Barca to 14 trophies – including three league titles and two Champions Leagues – in four years, then guided Bayern to league titles in each of his three seasons in Germany.

However, his debut season in England has not ended in trophy presentations and victory parades.

City fans hoped his arrival would produce their first Premier League title in three years, but, despite winning their opening six games, they have faced a tense battle to finish in the top four.

Few would have predicted that direct qualification into the Champions League would only be sealed on the final day, as his side held off Liverpool and Arsenal.

In the end, there was little cause for concern in a routine victory.

City were imperious from the opening whistle, easily finding space and clinically finishing their chances against a hapless Watford side.

The Blues have now reached the Champions League for a sixth successive season – and are hoping for an improved showing under Guardiola next season.

“Next season I can assure you we will come back stronger,” said Guardiola.

‘Surviving’ not good enough for Watford

Watford have shown glimpses of their potential this season, most notably a home win against Manchester United, but those moments have been few and far between under departing manager Mazzarri.

The Italian, whose exit after just one season in charge was announced last week, insisted he had achieved his objective this season – keeping the Hornets in the top flight.

However, Watford chairman Scott Duxbury clearly disagrees.

“We have aspiration and ambition. There have been some pundits lately saying we should just be happy with just surviving and the crumbs of the Premier League table,” he told BBC Radio 5 live earlier on Sunday.

“I’m sorry but we want more than to survive.”

Before Mazzarri’s dismissal was announced, reports suggested he had fallen out with some players including captain Troy Deeney.

The Italian was greeted by some angry supporters when he arrived at Vicarage Road before kick-off, and many chanted for him to be sent off when he was reprimanded by referee Kevin Friend in the second half.

His sacking one season into a three-year contract means the Hornets are looking for their eighth manager in five years since the Pozzo family took control of the club.

 

 

SOURCE: BBC SPORT