West Ham vs Manchester City: Manchester City’s title defence got off to a winning start on Sunday thanks to Erling Haaland’s brace on his Premier League debut.
If there is one criticism of Pep Guardiola’s team in a domestic context, it is that they don’t usually get off to a fast start, which was certainly true of the opener in east London.
The distinction, however, was Haaland. Whereas City had plenty of chances to win at Tottenham last year, the Norwegian star was the match-winner at the London Stadium, winning a penalty with a fantastic turn of pace and finishing coolly.
That kind of speed, breaking through thick defensive lines, will send shockwaves throughout the Premier League. Previously, the goal was to frustrate City, who had a habit of letting games slip away amid a flurry of missed chances. There’s a new threat to be concerned about these days.
Even after David Moyes’ side grew into the game after the break (they couldn’t have offered less than they did in the first 45 minutes), Haaland proved decisive once more.
Kevin De Bruyne, who will undoubtedly benefit the most from the signing, found his new teammate with a pinpoint pass, exposing the kind of space that City rarely has before Haaland scored a smooth second.
West Ham vs Manchester City: Match Highlights
West Ham applied early pressure after a poor pass from Joao Cancelo, leading to a close-range headed chance for Michail Antonio.
Around the half-hour mark, Kevin De Bruyne appeared to have opened the scoring, but the goal was ruled out due to Ilkay Gundogan’s offside in the build-up.
After a foul on him by substitute goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, City took the lead through new signing Erling Haaland, who won and converted a penalty.
The second half began with City leading 1-0 and looking for a second goal to secure the victory.
A second goal did come, and it came from the same source, with Haaland scoring with a smart finish after a fantastic defense-splitting ball from Kevin De Bruyne.
Following Haaland’s brace, City turned a tetchy game into a routine controlling performance, and Pep Guardiola’s side claimed all three points.
The victory puts the Premier League champions in fourth place in the table ahead of their home game against newly promoted Bournemouth next weekend.
Here’s how we rated the players from Manchester City’s match against West Ham United on Sunday!
Follow our twitter handle for more latest news updates (2) Trend Topz (@TopzTrend) / Twitter.
