Watford were unable to put a dent in Manchester City's bid for another Premier League title as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, but the manner in which the champions took the lead continued to provide a big talking point long after the final whistle had blown.

The much-changed Hornets had done well in a goalless first half, showing good organisation and defensive qualities to limit their hosts to few chances of note. But all that positive work was controversially undone within two minutes of the restart.

It looked like the game would stay scoreless when the assistant raised his flag after Daryl Janmaat had challenged Raheem Sterling and the ball cannonned off him and into the net, with the England international clearly offside when played in by Sergio Aguero.

Paul Tierney thought otherwise though, and after a lengthy discussion with his linesman the referee over-ruled the decision and awarded the goal, much to the annoyance of the Hornets.

Having made the breakthrough, Sterling soon doubled his tally and was to complete his hat-trick by the hour.

The Hornets fans were given reason to cheer midway through the second half when, seconds after both were introduced, Troy Deeney flicked on a long ball forward for Gerard Deulofeu to pull a goal back.

Here are a selection of images from yesterday's match.