Erling Haaland’s brace helped Manchester City secure a dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham, equaling their biggest win of the season and ending a challenging run of form.
The Norwegian striker opened his account with a first-half header and added a composed chip over Alphonse Areola in the second half after a superb through ball from standout player Savinho, who also forced the early own goal from Vladimir Coufal.
Phil Foden capped off the performance with his second league goal of the season after an unselfish assist from Kevin De Bruyne. Despite Niclas Fullkrug pulling one back for the Hammers, City’s relentless pressure ensured West Ham couldn’t close the gap. This win marks City’s first set of back-to-back victories since October, giving Pep Guardiola a chance to regain momentum after their rough patch.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s struggles continued as they suffered their second heavy defeat in a row, further intensifying the pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers’ defensive lapses, including a critical error from Areola, gifted City key goals that sealed their fate. Former boss David Moyes’ presence in the stands was a stark reminder of the expectations set after his departure.
City, despite their victory, still grapple with defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in Rodri’s absence, as seen when they struggled to contain West Ham’s early counterattacks. Guardiola’s squad rotation due to injuries and the looming need for midfield reinforcements also remain concerns.
With a break before their next league fixture and a favourable FA Cup match against Salford City, Guardiola will hope his squad can recover and sustain their momentum.
