Manchester City 4-1 West Ham United: Haaland at the double as Cityzens cruise past Hammers
Manchester City secured consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since October, achieving a commanding 4-1 home triumph over West Ham United, who have now conceded a total of nine goals in their last two matches.
As West Ham approached 2025, they harbored aspirations of improving their defensive performance after allowing 79 Premier League goals in 2024, the highest tally among all teams for that calendar year.
Regrettably for the Hammers, their New Year’s resolution faced immediate challenges when City opened the scoring in the 10th minute at the Etihad Stadium.
Savinho's shot took a significant deflection off Vladimír Coufal, leaving Alphonse Areola unable to react in time as the ball found its way into the net, granting the home side an early advantage.
Despite the early goal, City had to exert considerable effort to maintain their lead during the first half, as West Ham posed threats with several promising counter-attacks, only to falter at crucial moments.
In stark contrast to the visitors, Erling Haaland demonstrated his sharpness by scoring with a header in the 42nd minute, rising above defenders at the far post to convert Savinho’s precise cross.
The duo continued to wreak havoc at the start of the second half, with Haaland receiving Savinho’s well-placed through ball and skillfully lifting a left-footed shot over Areola, marking his ninth goal in six Premier League encounters against West Ham.
The situation deteriorated further for Julen Lopetegui when Phil Foden swiftly added a fourth goal after the visitors carelessly surrendered possession in their own half.
The England international maintained his composure to slot the ball through Areola’s legs, achieving his first Premier League goal at the Etihad, having scored a brace in the previous home encounter against West Ham at the end of last season.
Niclas Füllkrug provided the away supporters with a goal to cheer for in the 71st minute; however, this late consolation is unlikely to alleviate the mounting pressure on Lopetegui.
The loss positions the Hammers in 13th place, while Pep Guardiola's team maintains sixth place, having secured their ninth consecutive home victory against this opponent in the Premier League.
SportsLigue