Manchester City registered only their second consecutive Premier League win since October by thrashing West Ham United 4-1 as the London club conceded nine goals in two games.
City opened the scoring in the 10th minute at the Etihad when Savinho’s shot deflected off Vladimír Coufal and wrong-footed Alphonse Areola. Despite City’s strong start, West Ham looked to be a threat on the counter but couldn’t pack the final punch. Erling Haaland, though, did not do any such thing, climbing to powerfully head home Savinho’s pin point cross in the 42nd minute.
The Norwegian took his tally to two just after half-time, lifting a calm left-footed shot over Areola after running onto another Savinho assist. Phil Foden then jumped on a West Ham error seconds later, sending the ball through Areola’s legs for 4-0. It scarcely mattered when Niclas Füllkrug scored with 19 minutes left, to make it 4-1.
The defeat leaves Julen Lopetegui’s side languishing in 13th place, fighting defensive frailties after leaking the most goals this year. As for City, they stay in sixth, making it nine league wins on the bounce against the Hammers at the Etihad in what continues to be a dominant home record for Pep Guardiola’s side against these opponents.
