Manchester City secured a dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham United on January 4, marking their second consecutive Premier League win. The performance propelled them to sixth place in the league with 34 points from 20 matches. The match saw Erling Haaland netting a brace, taking his season tally to 21 goals, while Phil Foden added another to the scoreline. General, City appeared to be in much better shape, with several players showing improved performances.
Erling Haaland was in stellar form, not only scoring twice but also contributing to the build-up of several attacks. Kevin de Bruyne also had a standout game, making dynamic passes and movements in the final third, showing his return to form. However, it was young winger Savinho who stole the show. The Brazilian was a constant threat on the left flank, cutting inside and creating chances. His shot deflected off West Ham’s Vladimír Coufal for City’s first goal, and he also assisted both of Haaland’s goals, playing crucial roles in the attacking buildup. Bernardo Silva also contributed with an improved performance, further bolstering City’s attacking play.
Foden, who had been going through a lean patch, showed signs of recovery, taking several shots from outside the penalty box and looking more like his former self. The general performance was a boost for City, with key players stepping up when needed. Haaland’s return to form was particularly crucial, as it provided hope for a stronger second half of the season.
Looking ahead, Manchester City faces challenging fixtures, including matches against Brentford, Ipswich Town, and a tough game against Chelsea on January 25. Despite the 10-point gap to league leaders Liverpool, City’s focus should be on securing a top-four finish rather than chasing the title. Guardiola will be hoping that the team can maintain this momentum and stay competitive with teams like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle. The improved form shown in the West Ham game is a positive sign, and Guardiola will hope it marks the end of their recent poor run.
