Manchester City clinched their third silverware of the season as they routed Watford by 5-0 in the final of the FA Cup. David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus scored one goal apiece while Raheem Sterling notched up a hat-trick en route to a dominant victory as the Premier League champions lifted the prestigious trophy for the sixth time in their history.
The Citizens started off in their signature style of dominating the game and their strategy paid off in the 26th minute as David Silva scored the first goal of the match. Raheem Sterling doubled the lead in the 38th minute with his first of the game. The Hornets showed some resistance towards the end of the first half, but in the second half, it was all Manchester City. De Bruyne continued the assault with a brilliant goal in the 61st minute as he wrong-footed Huerelho Gomes to find the back of the net off an assist from Gabriel Jesus. He returned the favour for the Brazilian in the 68th minute who slotted it past his compatriot goalie to make it 4-0. Raheem Sterling wrapped up the match with two sweet strikes in the 81st and 87th minute as Pep Guardiola’s men realised the coveted dream of lifting the domestic treble this season.
Here is how the Manchester City players were rated from their win against Watford.
Ederson: 7
Did not have much to do throughout the match with all the action happening on the other side of the pitch. An excellent finish to the season for the Brazilian.
Kyle Walker: 6.5
Made some good runs into the opposition half with the ball. His backtracking was spot on as well.
Vincent Kompany: 7
A composed performance by the captain as he kept Troy Deeney under check throughout the match. Made some excellent clearances as well.
Aymeric Laporte: 7
Missed a great opportunity to get his name on the scoresheet as his header went past the Watford goal. Dished out a strong performance to guard the backline though.
İlkay Gündoğan: 6
Kept breaking down the Watford attacks with his interceptions in the middle of the pitch. Picked up an injury in the second half and was forced off the pitch.
David Silva: 7
Opened the scoring for his side with a brilliant strike. Kept running with the ball and made some pinpoint passes as well.
Bernardo Silva: 7.5
His classy footwork deceived the opposition defenders on several occasions. Laid down the assist for Sterling to complete his hat-trick.
Riyad Mahrez: 6
Looked a little subdued throughout the match. Was substituted in the second half.
Raheem Sterling: 9
Finished the season with another stellar performance as he notched up a hat-trick. His darting runs into the box were stealthy, and his finishing was as accurate as it can get. A well deserved Man of the Match award for the prolific Englishman.
Gabriel Jesus: 7
Terrorised the opposition defenders with his shots and runs into the box. Scored a brilliant goal and dished out an assist for De Bruyne as well.
Substitutes
Kevin De Bruyne: 8.5
Changed the complexion of the game with his sheer presence on the pitch. Delivered some brilliant balls into the box from the right-hand side and scored one after mesmerising the opposition defenders and goalkeeper with his subtle touches on the ball.
Leroy Sane: 6
Did well for his limited time on the pitch.
John Stones: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
