Raheem Sterling scored the fastest goal of the Premier League season as leaders Manchester City got back on track with a 3-1 win against Watford, while Fernando Liorente put Tottenham on course for a 2-0 victory at his former club Swansea. Sterling struck after just 38 seconds before Christian Kabasele's first half own goal put Pep Guardiola's side in control at Eastlands.Sergio Aguero made it three as City gave the perfect response after their 18-game winning run was ended in a goalless draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday. Unbeaten City are 15 points clear of second placed Manchester United as they continue to turn the title race into a lengthy coronation party. Guardiola had complained that the hectic festive fixture schedule was a "disaster" after City striker Gabriel Jesus suffered a knee ligament injury at Palace.
But Guardiola was able to replace the Brazilian with Sergio Aguero , while David Silva returned from a two - game absence. City, playing their fourth match in 11 days , were ahead inside a minute as Sterling met Leroy Sane's cross with a near post finish for his 18th goal this season.
Having won 6-0 at Watford in September , City looked on course for another rout in the 13th minute when Watford's Kabasele sliced an tempted clearance in to his own net from Kevin De Bruyne's cross.
Yet they had to wait 50 minute to score against as Argentine forward Aguero netted from cos range for his 16th goal of the season . Andre Gray's 82nd minute goal for Watford came way too late to avoid a sixth defeat in their last seven league matches. With harry Kane only fit enough for a place on the bench after illness, former Swansea striker Liorente made his first league start for Teottenham at the rain lashed Liberty Stadium.
Liorente marked the occasion with a 12th minute goal, the Spaniard powering home a header from Christian Eriksen's free-kick , despite Swansea's appeals for off side.