Manchester City put on a stellar performance as Erling Haaland scored a brace in their victory against West Ham, matching their largest win of the season. The Norwegian striker first scored a header late in the first half before calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper in the second half.
Savinho played a crucial role in City’s opening goal, providing a cross that deflected off a West Ham player and left the goalkeeper stranded. Phil Foden added a fourth goal for City, converting only his second league goal of the season. Despite West Ham managing to pull one back, City’s dominance was evident throughout the match.
This win marked City’s first back-to-back victory since October, giving manager Pep Guardiola a sense of relief after a challenging period. On the other hand, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui continues to face pressure as his team struggles to perform consistently.
Looking ahead, Guardiola acknowledges that there are still issues to address within the team. The absence of Rodri was felt during moments of vulnerability in the match, highlighting the need for a suitable replacement in midfield. While there are reports of City’s interest in several players, including Atalanta midfielder Ederson, securing the right transfer deals remains a challenge.
As Guardiola prepares his team for upcoming fixtures, including a FA Cup match against Salford, he is aware of the need for rest and recovery. Injuries to key players like Ederson, Ruben Dias, and John Stones have added to the team’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of depth in the squad.
Overall, City’s recent performance shows promise for the remainder of the season, but there are still areas that require attention. Guardiola and the club’s management will need to address these issues to ensure continued success on the field.
