Manchester City vs West Ham Review
Manchester City secured consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since October, achieving a 4-1 home win against West Ham, who have now allowed nine goals in their last two games. West Ham had hoped to improve their defense as they entered 2025, having conceded 79 Premier League goals in 2024, the highest of any team that year. However, their aspirations were quickly challenged when City scored the opening goal in the 10th minute at the Etihad Stadium. Savinho’s shot took a significant deflection off Vladimír Coufal, leaving Alphonse Areola off balance as the ball found its way into the net, giving the home team an early advantage.
Although City scored an early goal, they had to work hard to maintain their lead in the first half as the Hammers posed a threat with several promising counter-attacks, but failed to capitalize at crucial moments. Unlike the visitors, Erling Haaland consistently displayed his sharpness, as shown by his header in the 42nd minute, where he soared at the far post to score from Savinho’s perfectly placed cross. The duo struck again effectively at the start of the second half, with Haaland receiving Savinho’s precise through ball and skillfully lifting a left-footed shot over Areola, marking his ninth goal in six Premier League matches against West Ham.
Things worsened for the Hammers when Phil Foden quickly scored a fourth goal after the Hammers carelessly lost possession in their own half. The England international remained composed, slotting the ball through Areola’s legs to net his first Premier League goal at the Etihad, having scored a brace in the previous home match against West Ham at the end of last season.
Niclas Füllkrug managed to give the traveling fans something to cheer about with a goal in the 71st minute, but this late consolation does little to alleviate the pressure on Lopetegui. The defeat leaves the Hammers in 13th place, while Pep Guardiola’s team stays in sixth, having secured their ninth consecutive home win against West Ham in the Premier League.
