Matheus Nunes eases Manchester City through despite Tom Ince cracker

Matheus Nunes celebrates his winner, his first goal for Manchester City, with teammate John Stones. Photograph: Dave Thompson/AP

With Manchester City missing Rodri for the first time since his serious knee injury, this victory against Watford, the Championship’s eighth-placed side, offers scant clues regarding how they may cope in the long term.

For that, the trip to Newcastle on Saturday will offer more insight into Pep Guardiola’s plan, and which senior player the manager trusts to deputise for the 28-year-old in the pivotal midfield role.