Manchester City have beaten West Ham 3-1 at the London Stadium to make it 5 wins from 5 to start the new Premier League season. The champions had to come from behind against a determined West Ham outfit to secure a massive three points.
First Half
The treble winners should’ve opened the scoring in the 7th minute. Rodri had a header saved by an inspired Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal. A penalty area scramble ensued and Erling Haaland had an effort cleared off the line, and Rodri had another effort saved.
City should’ve taken the lead just minutes after that when Erling Haaland fired wide. A sumptuous Josko Gvardiol ball found Haaland unmarked at the back post but he fired wide when it was easier to score.
West Ham grew into the game after that and posed a threat on the counter and from set pieces. In the 36th minute, they took the lead after a swift counterattack. After City winger Jeremy Doku lost possession the Hammers swept forward. West Ham right-back Vladimir Coufal chipped in a cross for James Ward-Prowse to head home.
After dominating large portions of the first half Pep Guardiola’s side went in 1-nil down at the break.
Second Half
After the break, Manchester City equalised 43 seconds after the restart. A sweeping move saw Jeremy Doku pick up the ball on the left. He ran at Coufal and fired the ball across Areola to level the game at 1-all.
Following the equaliser both sides went for the win. Manchester City dominated possession, but the Hammers provided a threat on the counter and at set pieces. The game became a fascinating watch as the second half progressed.
Julian Alvarez hit the post with a spectacular free-kick moments after the champions had equalised.
City’s number 9 Haaland was again denied by a spectacular save from Areola after a sumptuous ball from Rodri.
Ederson also made a spectacular save to prevent West Ham from taking the lead via a Kurt Zouma header. It was a reminder to the European champions that West Ham were still a threat as Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession.
The game ebbed and flowed until the league leaders finally went ahead in the 76th minute. A delightful ball from Julian Alvarez was misjudged by the West Ham defence, and Bernardo Silva gave City the lead with a delightful chip over the oncoming Areola in goal to give the champions the lead.
Manchester City pressed forward to put the game to bed, and the sealer finally arrived in the 86th minute. A flowing Manchester City move saw Bernardo Silva play in Erling Haaland for the goal machine to finally fire in his goal. It was Haaland’s 7th goal of the Premier League season, and his goal against West Ham came with his 9th shot of the game.
City comfortably saw the remainder of the game out to pick up a crucial 3-1 win over David Moyes side.
Man of the Match
The man of the match for Manchester City was Jeremy Doku. In his second appearance since arriving from Rennes, the Belgian gave the West Ham defence a torrid time. He was a constant menace and his goal was a fair reward for a sparkling performance.
What comes next?
Pep Guardiola’s side now move onto the UEFA Champions League with their group stage opener at the Etihad Stadium against Red Star Belgrade. After picking up their 5th consecutive Premier League win the European champions will head into the game full of confidence.
