A goal in each half was enough to return City to winning ways against Watford.
The Blues struggled to turn their dominance into more goals after Pablo Zabaleta’s first half volley but finally sealed the points late on through David Silva.
City desperately needed a victory after back-to-back Premier League losses to Chelsea and Leicester but found it difficult to break down a well-organised Watford defence in the opening stages.
De Bruyne spotted skipper Zabaleta in space in the box and sent a perfect lofted cross to the Argentine who volleyed home from eight yards for only his 11th goal in 317 appearances for the Blues.
Sterling, Silva and Toure’s pressing saw Silva race towards goal before playing in Sterling who returned the compliment with a simple return pass that allowed Silva to finish emphatically from 10 yards.
