Erling Haaland ends goal drought with a brace as Manchester City dismantle West Ham United, matching their largest win of the season.
Manchester City delivered a resounding performance against West Ham, led by Erling Haaland, who scored twice in a Premier League match for the first time in over three months. Haaland’s first goal came with a powerful header just before halftime, and he followed it up in the second half with a composed chip over West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola after latching onto a through ball from Savinho.
Savinho, arguably City’s standout player, was instrumental in their opening goal just 10 minutes into the match. His precise left-wing cross took a deflection off Vladimir Coufal, leaving Areola helpless as the ball found the net.
Phil Foden sealed the victory with City’s fourth goal, tapping in Kevin De Bruyne’s unselfish pass. The Belgian, making his 400th appearance for the club, opted for an assist instead of a spectacular finish himself.
West Ham’s Niclas Fullkrug pulled one back in the 71st minute, converting Tomas Soucek’s cross, but the visitors missed a golden chance to close the gap when Crysencio Summerville fired wide with the goal at his mercy.
For Manchester City, the victory marked consecutive wins for the first time since October, offering Pep Guardiola a glimmer of hope after a challenging run of form that led the usually unflappable manager to question his methods.
West Ham, however, remain in turmoil under Julen Lopetegui, whose position as manager is under intense scrutiny. Although this defeat was less severe than the 5-0 thrashing by Liverpool in their previous outing, the presence of former boss David Moyes in the stands underscored the lack of progress since his departure.
City Show Signs of Improvement but Lingering Issues Persist
Manchester City have started 2025 on a positive note and have an FA Cup match against League Two side Salford next week to continue building momentum. However, Guardiola is fully aware that the team’s deeper problems remain unresolved.
One of the most glaring issues is the absence of Rodri, which was evident during a chaotic opening sequence. When Rico Lewis failed to handle a bouncing clearance, Mateo Kovacic stepped in but misjudged the situation, allowing Summerville to capitalize. Rodri’s defensive instincts and positioning were sorely missed in moments like these.
City are actively exploring options to strengthen their midfield, with Atalanta’s Ederson among the potential targets. However, mid-season acquisitions are complex, and with Atalanta chasing their first Serie A title, persuading them to part with such a key player could prove costly. These challenges now fall to the club’s executive team and outgoing sporting director Txiki Begiristain to resolve.
For now, Guardiola must rely on his current squad, hoping the 10-day break before their next Premier League fixture will help with injuries. Key players like Ederson, Ruben Dias, and John Stones were unavailable against West Ham, forcing the inclusion of veteran keeper Scott Carson on the bench as backup.
Areola’s Crucial Error Costs West Ham
Manchester City have dominated West Ham at home, winning 15 of their last 16 Premier League encounters. For Julen Lopetegui, this defeat extended West Ham’s winless streak against City to 19 matches—a record no manager would want.
The turning point came late in the first half when Areola gifted City their second goal. Savinho’s cross was accurate but clearly heading to the far post. Despite this, Areola inexplicably moved out of position, leaving Haaland with an open goal to head the ball into the net.
This error compounded West Ham’s frustration after Tomas Soucek squandered a prime chance to equalize, steering Mohammed Kudus’ cross wide. There was further controversy when referee Michael Salisbury blew for a foul on Manuel Akanji by Summerville, denying the West Ham forward a clear run at goal. Lopetegui’s anger was evident, while Guardiola’s reaction hinted at relief.
Haaland ensured City made the most of their opportunities, securing a much-needed victory to keep their season on track.
Nova88 stands out as the premier choice for online gambling enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled gaming experience that caters to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. By joining Nova88, members can take advantage of exclusive bonuses that elevate their gameplay and enhance their winning potential. With a vast array of games, secure transactions, and top-notch customer service, Nova88 ensures a thrilling and reliable environment for all its users. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—join Nova88 now and experience the best in online gambling.
