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 hapless Watford, who were without six recognised centre-backs through either injury or suspension. 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, who finished outside of a league's top two for the first time in his managerial career. So how will Guardiola look to improve this City squad next season? It is a question he was not willing to answer in his post-match interviews. Several players - notably Yaya Toure, Pablo Zabaleta, Jesus Navas and Bacary Sagna - are out of contract in the summer, while there are still question marks over Aguero's future. Aguero has proved to be one of City's all-time greatest players since his £38m arrival from Spanish side Atletico Madrid in 2011, scoring 179 goals in 253 appearances to help the Blues win two Premier League titles and two League Cups.
It seems unthinkable that they might be willing to let him leave - especially after a performance like this at Watford. The 28-year-old Argentina striker was irrepressible. His movement constantly stretched the Watford defence, creating chances for himself and the team, and his own chances were sealed by trademark clinical finishing. Aguero, whose second took him to 20 league goals for a third consecutive Premier League season, was denied the chance to complete his hat-trick when he was substituted in the 71st minute to a rousing ovation from the away fans. Those supporters must surely be hoping it was not a final farewell to a club legend. Watford have shown glimpses of their potential this season, most notably a home win against Manchester United, but those moments have been few and far between under departing manager Mazzarri. The Italian, whose exit after just one season in charge was announced last week, insisted he had achieved his objective this season - keeping the Hornets in the top flight.
However, Watford chairman Scott Duxbury clearly disagrees. "We have aspiration and ambition. There have been some pundits lately saying we should just be happy with just surviving and the crumbs of the Premier League table," he told BBC Radio 5 live earlier on Sunday. Before Mazzarri's dismissal was announced, reports suggested he had fallen out with some players - including captain Troy Deeney - while some fans were concerned his lack of English meant he struggled to communicate with his squad. The Italian was greeted by some angry supporters when he arrived at Vicarage Road before kick-off, and many chanted for him to be sent off when he was reprimanded by referee Kevin Friend in the second half. His sacking one season into a three-year contract means the Hornets are looking for their eighth manager in five years since the Pozzo family took control of the club.
