Manchester City were again victorious on matchday five of the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side were behind at half-time against West Ham United, but turned the game around to win 3-1
Reigning Champions League winners Manchester City hosted Conference League winners West Ham United on matchday five of the Premier League. Both teams had presented themselves in strong form before the international break. While City had won all four games so far, West Ham had collected ten points.
The roles were nevertheless clearly distributed. The Cityzens, with Gvardiol and Bernardo Silva starting in place of Aké and Kovacic compared to the 5:1 against Fulham, immediately took command. David Moyes, who recently enjoyed a 2-1 win over promoted Luton, brought on Soucek for Benrahma and took a defensive approach with the Hammers.
The visitors moved the game into West Ham’s half from the start, running the ball and creating chances. From a corner, Rodrigo and Dias were in the lead roles in a multiple chance, but Soucek’s shoulder on the line and Areola’s double save had something against the early lead (7th). Haaland also became dangerous, but missed two great chances from close range in the first half (15th/42nd).
Ward-Prowse shocks City
West Ham, meanwhile, lurked on the counter-attack – and showed themselves ice-cold. After Doku had lost the ball, Coufal took advantage of the space on the right flank and served Ward-Prowse perfectly, who scored with a diving header to give City a 1-0 lead at the break (36th).
However, this lead lasted only for a short time after the restart. It took only 45 seconds until Doku corrected his mistake before the 0:1 and scored his first goal in the Premier League (46.).
And the Cityzens’ pressure remained high. Only a short time later Alvarez failed with a free kick at the post (52.). Haaland forced Areola into a save with a side-footed shot (54th).
It took the Hammers a little while to get back on the offensive – but then it became really dangerous. First, Akanji saved Emerson in the nick of time (60th). From the subsequent corner, Zouma forced Ederson into a brilliant save (61.)
Silva turns the game around
But overall, Guardiola’s side remained the more dangerous team. It was Bernardo Silva who turned the game around after 76 minutes. Before that, Aguerd had missed a chip pass from Alvarez, which allowed the Portuguese to tick the ball past Areola shortly before the goal (76th).
However, one thing was still missing for a perfect City afternoon. Haaland also failed with his next big chance against Areola (82nd). But shortly before the end the Norwegian got one chance too many and scored his seventh goal of the season to make the final score 3:1 (86.).
Both teams now face an English week. City have to face Red Star Belgrade in the top flight on Tuesday (9pm). West Ham also face a Serbian representative in the Europa League on Thursday (9pm). TSC Backa Topola are the guests.
