Manchester City Earn Seismic Victory over Watford to Boost Title Chances

A Premier League victory only ever gets a side three points, but there are some that feel more important than others.

Manchester City, who had failed to win in six away matches in the league, were on the brink of their seventh with just eight minutes left of their game with Watford at Vicarage Road.

There was a worrying absence of quality in City’s play but perhaps more concerning was the lack of desire. The home side were 1-0 up thanks to a hapless Aleksandar Kolarov own goal, and City’s title hopes were set to be dealt another significant blow, yet the Blues didn't seem capable of forcing their way back into the match. 

Watford were first to everything, out-fighting City and making life difficult for them. This is the new order of the Premier League, where respect for the entrenched elite has dissipated and almost every side in the division feels they can inflict damage on the big boys. 

However, after almost 10 hours that had yielded just one away goal, Manuel Pellegrini’s men suddenly found two in two-and-a-half minutes.

Yaya Toure’s superb first-time volley from Kolarov’s corner gave them belief; Sergio Aguero’s header, which had shades of his FA Cup semi-final winner against Chelsea in 2013, sent the away fans into delirium.

This was more than just three points.

"

That felt good!! 3 points from a tough game!!! Great way to start 2016! Hope you guys enjoyed my goal 😊 #ComeOnCity! pic.twitter.com/Fud9DxxfFZ

— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) January 2, 2016"

"

I always say the goals that matter are the ones that clinch a win. More so if they break our bad form away. C'mon, City! The fight is on!

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) January 2, 2016"

It’s a win that keeps them in touching distance of leaders Arsenal, who won earlier in the day at home to Newcastle United.

Perhaps more importantly, though, it’s a victory that gives City’s players, staff and fans a huge boost ahead of a difficult month of games that will go a long way in determining their chances of silverware come May.

January looks like a defining period. Without Vincent Kompany, who is suffering from yet another hamstring injury, and with games spanning three competitions, City’s form has to be impeccable if they are to achieve their ambitions this season. 

They were bailed out against Watford by two moments of brilliance, spared the ignominy of a sixth defeat of the season with just over half of it gone. The last time a side had lost six of their opening 20 league matches and still gone on to win the title was Ipswich Town back in 1961/62.

It was a bleak picture with eight minutes remaining, but the mood in the City squad will be dramatically different now. 

"

City are 3pts behind leaders Arsenal and have made up ground on Leicester. pic.twitter.com/vLD6YUqaUJ

— City Watch (@City_Watch) January 2, 2016"

City’s defending, yet again, was a cause for concern, though. Pellegrini, surely, cannot be impressed by the performance of Eliaquim Mangala, who continues to play without assuredness and confidence.

Again in this game he was too easily beaten. His footwork gets him into all sorts of problems, and he looks uncomfortable in possession. His concentration must improve.

Alongside the steadying influence of Kompany at the start of the season, he started to look much more composed and confident than during his topsy-turvy first year at the club. However, the turbulence that blighted him upon arrival in England has resurfaced in recent months. 

Pellegrini deserves credit for the changes he made as his side went in search of goals. Jesus Navas replaced Raheem Sterling five minutes after Watford's goal and brought added impetus.

Quite why the Spanish winger gets such a hard time is a mystery when he continually applies himself with such excellence and professionalism. 

ADRIAN DENNIS/Getty Images

And then, perhaps the boldest substitution he's made all season, saw Pellegrini take the struggling Mangala off and replace him with Wilfried Bony. The twin striking threat gave Watford something different to think about and City began turning the screw. 

"I've always said this team has character, we never give up," Pellegrini told Sky Sports after the game. 

"I think tonight we were unlucky to be losing the game. It wasn't a corner and then it was an own goal.

"But we kept our minds and made some changes, always thinking we are able to turn the corner—and we did.

"It was a very close game and tough for both teams but if you see the statistics we deserved to win, we had more shots on target and possession."

"

All the numbers that mattered at #watfordvcity... #mcfc pic.twitter.com/xlPrG4V6rS

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) January 2, 2016"

In this most unpredictable season, a lower points tally than normal looks set to be enough to win the title. City have lacked consistency, yet remain just three points off the top. 

Improved away form in the second half of the season is key—and they have an easier away calendar than their rivals. 

This win over Watford, however shabby they were for much of the game, could turn out to be crucial. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.