Soccer News

Man City cruise to a 4 – 1 win against West Ham United

The champions’ emphatic victory at London Stadium left the Hammers in a precarious position above the relegation zone. “The numbers are a consequence of what we have done,” Guardiola said.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed the “incredible” numbers produced by his side as they reached 100 Premier League goals for the season with a 4-1 win at struggling West Ham.

Man City

“We are so happy to be getting close to history. We will try to surpass the number of goals and points. “We wanted to win today so that we can get the record of 96 points at home when we get the trophy in front of our people next week.”

City – who are now on 93 points – took the lead when Leroy Sane’s shot deflected off the head of Patrice Evra and wrong-footed Hammers goalkeeper Adrian. A series of West Ham defensive mishaps culminated in a Pablo Zabaleta own goal which gave City a two-goal advantage and saw them reach the landmark century.

Aaron Cresswell gave the Hammers a foothold in the game shortly before the break when he curled home a free-kick inside Ederson’s near post. However, inspired by a brilliant performance from Raheem Sterling, City reasserted their control of the contest early in the second half.

Having earlier teed up Sane, Sterling claimed a hat-trick of assists after the break when he set up Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho to finish clinically from inside the box.

West Ham is three points clear of 18th-placed Southampton, who occupy the final relegation place. West Ham kept City at bay for nearly an hour when the sides met at Etihad Stadium last December, as Guardiola’s side came from behind to win 2-1.

In this encounter, a slick City team possessed the creativity to open the Hammers up at will, with the home side’s defenders left dazed and confused.

David Moyes’ side did not help themselves with an error-strewn defensive display, epitomised by City’s second goal, which bordered on slapstick.

Adrian rushed off his line but failed to win the ball, Angelo Ogbonna botched a headed clearance and then Declan Rice and Zabaleta contrived to put the ball into their own net.

West Ham had nine players in the penalty area yet still conceded. Moyes, arms folded with a furrowed brow, cut a nervous figure on the touchline, aware of their position in the table.

“When we came in here, we were in the bottom three. We’re not now. There are other teams who would rather be in our position,” said the Scot.

“We are good enough to win another game at least and let’s hope we can do that.”

Hammers fans will also be tense, especially given this is the second 4-1 defeat in as many weeks to damage their goal difference. West Ham (-23) have worse goal difference than relegation rivals Southampton (-19) and are only two better off than Swansea (-25).

Source: BBC News