Manchester City extended their stunning unbeaten run with a comfortable win at home against mid-table Watford. The Premier League leaders were relentless in attack and aided by sloppy defending from the visitors.
Manchester City looked to get back to winning ways after being held to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park on New Year's Eve, as they hoped to continue their invincible dream in Watford's visit to the Etihad.
And after just 38 seconds, Raheem Sterling kicked things off with the fastest goal of the season so far. With City's first attack, the winger tapped in at the back post after a wonderfully fizzed cross from Leroy Sane found him unmarked.
The German youngster was unplayable down the left flank, constantly running at Janmaat and setting up his teammates to score. Just minutes later, he granted John Stones the chance to beat Gomes, but the centre-back ballooned his effort over the crossbar from six yards.
Stones once again featured in the lineup after missing out at Crystal Palace, as did Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maintained his record of starting every game this season despite fears over his fitness following a stoppage-time horror challenge from Jason Puncheon. Partner in crime David Silva also returned to the team and the skipper's impact what noticeable.
The Spaniard was first involved in the build-up to Sterling's early opener and he threaded a clever ball for De Bruyne to pop up down the right just moments later. His low cross looking for Aguero was intercepted by a sliding Kabasele, who could only guide it into his own net.
After 13 minutes, it looked like game over. With Watford facing an uphill struggle to get something out of the Etihad, the hosts required very little to open up the Hornets. Whatever Marco Silva's initial game plan had been, it all went out the window.
Guardiola's men eventually lifted their foot off the gas pedal which allowed Watford to press, and despite his team's dominance, Ederson never switched off at the back. Andre Gray twice found himself in position to beat the Brazilian goalkeeper but was expertly denied.
De Bruyne excelled dropping down the flanks and providing a variety of tantalising crosses the Watford back line struggled to deal with. After the break, the Belgian set up Aguero in acres of space but the Argentine somehow glanced his header wide. But Aguero finally scored his tenth goal against the Hornets in only six matches, and De Bruyne was indeed the provider.
Another powerful low cross was spilt by Gomes in the six yard box and Aguero tapped home from close range. Following the third goal, City completely shaded possession while Watford were left chasing shadows.
But there was still a way into the game for the visitors. Guardiola opted to rest Fernandinho, and City appeared to lose their balance and focus. Pereyra rolled the ball into the box for Gray to find the back of the net and spark Watford into life.
After a commanding display from the Premier League leaders for much of the game, what turned out to be a late consolation goal burst Watford into life, and a late rally from the visitors ensued. City looked increasingly nervy at the back as Watford pressed high up on the pitch and it could have been a different story had Lee Mason pointed to the spot when Otamendi brought down Pereyra in the area.
Manchester City restored their 15-point gap with trailers United after opening the scoring inside the first minute and following up with an overall convincing performance to kick-start 2018. Their bid to lift the title unbeaten continues.