Kevin De Bruyne made a dramatic return to action as Manchester City eased back to winning ways with a convincing 3-1 victory over Watford.
The Belgian did not score but was the main architect as the Premier League leaders overcame Sunday's rare blip at Crystal Palace with strikes from Raheem Sterling - after less than a minute - Sergio Aguero and a Christian Kabasele own goal.
De Bruyne had been highly doubtful for the clash at the Etihad Stadium after being carried off in the goalless draw at Selhurst Park - which ended City's record-breaking run of 18 successive wins - but he played as if he had not been hurt at all.