Manchester City vs West Ham Report
Scorers: Coufal 10’ (OG), Haaland 42’, 55’, Foden 58’; Fullkrug 71’
Manchester City began the New Year in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.
Inspired by a sensational performance from Savinho, Pep Guardiola’s side clinched back-to-back Premier League (PL) wins for the first time since October, while West Ham’s defensive woes continued, having conceded nine goals in their last two matches.
Savinho Sets the Tone with Early Opener
West Ham entered 2025 looking to shore up their defence after conceding a league-high 79 goals in the previous calendar year. However, their resolve lasted just 10 minutes.
Savinho’s deflected effort off Vladimír Coufal left Alphonse Areola stranded as the ball trickled into the net, handing City an early advantage and setting the tone for a challenging afternoon for the visitors.
Despite falling behind, Julen Lopetegui’s men showed glimpses of promise in the first half. The Hammers created several counter-attacking opportunities but failed to capitalise due to poor decision-making in key moments. In stark contrast, City’s clinical edge came to the fore just before halftime.
Haaland and Savinho Combine to Devastating Effect
Erling Haaland, ever the predator in front of goal, doubled City’s lead in the 42nd minute. The Norwegian striker rose highest at the far post to meet a pinpoint cross from Savinho, nodding home his eighth league goal of the season.
This partnership proved lethal again early in the second half. Haaland latched onto Savinho’s perfectly weighted through ball and delicately chipped Areola with his left foot, extending City’s lead to 3-0 and marking his ninth goal in six PL games against West Ham.
Foden Piles on the Misery
West Ham’s defensive frailties were further exposed minutes later when they carelessly lost possession in their own half. Phil Foden capitalised on the mistake, coolly slotting the ball through Areola’s legs to add City’s fourth.
The goal marked Foden’s first at the Etihad this season and a continuation of his strong form against West Ham, having scored a brace in their previous meeting.
Füllkrug’s Consolation Offers Little Relief
West Ham found a glimmer of hope in the 71st minute when Niclas Füllkrug struck a consolation goal for the visitors, giving their travelling fans something to cheer. However, the strike did little to change the narrative of a one-sided encounter.
The Hammers remain in 13th place, with pressure mounting on Lopetegui to address the team’s glaring defensive issues.
City’s Home Fortress Remains Intact
This victory marked Manchester City’s ninth consecutive home league win over West Ham, underscoring their dominance at the Etihad. Guardiola’s side remains in sixth place but looks to be building momentum as they chase a return to the Premier League summit.
What’s Next?
Manchester City will aim to continue their resurgence and push further up the table with key fixtures on the horizon. Meanwhile, West Ham must regroup quickly to avoid being dragged further into the relegation battle.
Lopetegui’s focus will undoubtedly be on tightening his side’s leaky defence as they look to turn their season around.
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Man City v West Ham, 2024/25 | Premier League