Manchester City maintained their flawless Premier League record with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph away against West Ham United, putting an end to the Hammers’ unbeaten start to the season.
Before kick-off, only two points separated last season’s champions, Manchester City, and West Ham, but the early stages of the match showcased a significant gap in class. The Hammers’ goal seemed to lead a charmed life, and David Moyes’ side could consider themselves fortunate not to be trailing within the first ten minutes. Erling Haaland’s shot was cleared off the line, and Alphonse Areola spectacularly denied Rúben Dias’ header. Haaland, typically clinical in front of goal, missed several golden opportunities in the first half, leaving City visibly frustrated.
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The cost of those misses became evident just before halftime when James Ward-Prowse, continuing his fine form since joining West Ham in the summer, headed home Vladimír Coufal’s delivery to give the Hammers the lead. West Ham managed to hold onto this lead until halftime, with Haaland seeing yet another effort cleared off the line.
At the break, West Ham found themselves in a surprising joint lead in the Premier League, but their lead was short-lived as Jérémy Doku opened his City account just two minutes into the second half. The Belgian skillfully weaved his way into the area and expertly curled the ball into the net, bringing Pep Guardiola’s side level. Although City should have been spurred on by this goal, it didn’t have the desired effect. However, Julián Álvarez’s shot against the woodwork demonstrated City’s continued threat.
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City’s persistent threat eventually paid off as they took the lead 15 minutes from time through Bernardo Silva. He latched onto Álvarez’s delicate pass and chipped the ball over Areola to put the visitors ahead. From that point on, it was rather routine for City, who added the finishing touch in the dying moments when Haaland finally found the net to complete a second-half blitz, solidifying City’s position at the top of the Premier League table.
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