Raheem Sterling hat-trick sends Manchester City four clear of Liverpool

Manchester City's Leroy Sane (not pictured) comes on as a substitute to replace Raheem Sterling. [Courtesy]

Raheem Sterling struck a second half hat-trick as champions Manchester City put pressure on title rivals Liverpool with a 3-1 win over Watford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The win moved Premier League leaders City four points clear of Liverpool ahead of their home game against Burnley on Sunday -- a match Juergen Klopp's side can ill-afford not to win.