Manchester City sealed their place in next season’s Champions League by crushing Watford to finish third in Pep Guardiola’s debut season.
City skipper Vincent Kompany was left unmarked to head in an early opener before Sergio Aguero twice clinically fired in after quick counters-attacks
The Blues, needing a point to guarantee a finish in the top four, were 4-0 up at half-time after Fernandinho bundled in.
Gabriel Jesus clipped in a fifth after the break as Watford ended the reign of departing manager Walter Mazzarri with a shocking display.
Mazzarri, who leaves after just one season, was booed by some Hornets fans during the game as the hosts suffered a sixth successive defeat to finish in 17th place.
Guardiola is one of the most celebrated coaches in world football and joined City, when he succeeded Manuel Pellegrini last summer, with high expectations after success-packed spells at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
The 46-year-old former Spain midfielder led Barca to 14 trophies – including three league titles and two Champions Leagues – in four years, then guided Bayern to league titles in each of his three seasons in Germany.
However, his debut season in England has not ended in trophy presentations and victory parades.
City fans hoped his arrival would produce their first Premier League title in three years, but, despite winning their opening six games, they have faced a tense battle to finish in the top four.
Few would have predicted that direct qualification into the Champions League would only be sealed on the final day, as his side held off Liverpool and Arsenal.
In the end, there was little cause for concern in a routine victory.
City were imperious from the opening whistle, easily finding space and clinically finishing their chances against a hapless Watford side.
The Blues have now reached the Champions League for a sixth successive season – and are hoping for an improved showing under Guardiola next season.
“Next season I can assure you we will come back stronger,” said Guardiola. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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