The Sky Blues struggled to break down a stubborn Hornets defence in the first period, but Raheem Sterling's first goal for the club broke the deadlock after the break.

Fernandinho notched up a second to add some gloss to the scoreline as the league leaders held on to register a club record-breaking tenth league win on the spin.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the match to establish whether the result was fair.

Match statistics

MANCHESTER CITY
Shots: 18
On target: 5
Possession: 59%
Corners: 9
Fouls: 9

WATFORD
Shots: 7
On target: 0
Possession: 41%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

Without doubt. Watford defended solidly in the first period, but their park-the-bus tactics were nothing more than an annoyance to in-form City, who always looked like finding a way through eventually.

The Hornets had no answer to the clever footwork of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure, the vision of David Silva, or Sterling's pacey attacks.

City were blazing on the counter and surged forward with width, provided by good runs from Aleksandar Kolarov and Bacary Sagna.

Joe Hart in the City goal did not have a save to make, and Watford looked short of ideas once their defensive gameplan started to unravel.

City's performance

The home side's frustration started to show by the end of the first half as Watford threw bodies back and looked content to plant all eleven men in the box - but they also exercised patience, and that is what paid dividends.

Sterling looked like a man worth every penny of his considerable price tag as he terrorised the Hornet's defence over on the left, while Silva's creativity was the driving force behind their attacking masterclass.

Sergio Aguero had an uncharacteristically quiet game, missing a handful of chances he would normally have buried, but his presence up front was enough to keep Watford unsettled.

Although it is still early days, City are looking like the team to beat this season.

Watford's performance

The Hornets were solid defensively in the first period, with the likes of Jose Holebas and Sebastian Prodl standing firm and getting stuck in when it counted.

Their gameplan was very much a defensive one, but the Hornets lacked any sting further up the pitch and never looked like hitting City on the counter.

Troy Deeney received little service up front, and his team did not look like getting back into the match once they had fallen behind.

Scoring goals continues to be something of a problem for Quique Flores's men, who perhaps need to add an out-and-out striker to their squad.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Fernandinho: The Brazilian sparkled today, showing off deft footwork throughout and scoring a blinder. He was involved in virtually every one of City's attacks and linked up well with Toure, Sterling and Silva.

Biggest gaffe

It was a virtually gaffe-free afternoon, so this award will have to go to Aguero for his uncharacteristic mis-kick just before the hour mark. Sterling did well to pick up the Argentine in the box, and he looked odds-on to find the net after a skilful turn, but barely connected with the ball.

Referee performance

It was by no means an ill-tempered match, so Mark Clattenburg did not have a great deal to do. He handed out three yellow cards, all of which were justified, and kept a watchful eye on things throughout.

What next?

Manchester City: Following the forthcoming international break, City will take their 100% record to Crystal Palace.

Watford: Still in search of their first win, Watford play host to Swansea City in a fortnight.