MCI Post-Match Review: West Ham vs Manchester City

It was just another day at the office for Manchester City. In their latest Premier League fixture against West Ham United, the boys in blue put together yet another resounding win, looking every bit as dangerous as we’ve ever seen them. Despite Pep’s early season comments about “starting slow,” City have looked well-rested, motivated, and ready to fiercely defend their league crown. 

The matchups featured very little changes for both sides. West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui decided to start new signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, presumably to deal with City’s dynamic wing threats, and defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez, starting for the first time since suffering an injury during Copa America. Amid whispers of a minor Savinho injury, Pep Guardiola opted to go with Jack Grealish on the left wing. Phil Foden remained out of the squad due to illness but following an extended holiday due to international commitments, Rodri was a welcome returner to the matchday squad. 

FIRST HALF:

The beginning of the match saw West Ham come out fast and determined to take us by surprise. Only three minutes in, Bowen cut inside onto his favored left foot and saw his stinger of a shot parried by an alert Ederson. After a cagey first five minutes or so, City’s world class attackers started to click into gear. Jack, who had one of his finest games in a City shirt, combined seamlessly with Bernardo and Kevin De Bruyne, weaving intricate patterns through their passing and movement and combining it with an insatiable desire to win the ball back at all costs. After missing an easy header (provided by Bernardo), Haaland made up for it at just the 10 minute mark, finishing a nifty Bernardo pass and slotting it beyond the outstretched Areola’s fingertips for the first goal. 

Grealish and De Bruyne continued to click, with Jack unable to finish a slightly behind pass from the Belgian playmaker, followed by a rocket hitting the post a few minutes later, courtesy of De Bruyne. West Ham were under assault here and looked on the verge of collapse. But then.. football happened. Ruben Dias, seemingly having a standard, solid performance, attempted to block a Bowen low cross, only to see the ball ricochet back into our own net. Notably, Ruben’s reaction to this wasn’t to pout, shout, or point fingers. He simply dusted himself off and got ready to play on. A mentality monster and leader by action.

Despite the blip, City continued to operate with machinelike efficiency. With Bernardo, Rico, and Mateo Kovacic marauding around the pitch like hungry pit bulls, West Ham’s midfield was completely overwhelmed. And who better to lead the machine than our very own robot? Haaland finished his second goal of the day, courtesy of a Rico Lewis pass. Rico almost got his own goal a few minutes later, skying his shot high and wide. KDB saw a yellow card briefly before the halftime intermission after a questionable tackle on a breaking Antonio. 

SECOND HALF:

The second half came with a GK change for West Ham, with veteran Lukas Fabianski subbing on for an injured Alphonse Areola. In general, it was much of the same from City but West Ham started to create some danger on the counter, which could be an area of concern for City this season (as it usually is). Kudus in particular was the dangerman, with his pace and power causing a real problem for City on the break. But Doku was not to be outdone. His explosiveness was proving to be too much for West Ham defenders as both Emerson Palmieri and Max Kilman were issued yellow cards for rash tackles within 2 minutes of each other. Grealish continued his effective play from the left side, finding an open Bernardo in the box.. who hit it straight at the goalkeeper.

Several subs followed with Gundogan on for Doku, Coufal on for Emerson, Fullkrug on for Antonio, and Grealish being taken off after a great shift for Matheus Nunes. Nunes, despite playing out of his natural position, managed to feed Haaland for his third goal of the day, making this back-to-back hattricks in PL matches for the Norwegian striker. Walker, Ake were subbed on for Kev and Josko and Manu picked up a somewhat ridiculous foul in the dying stages of the game. Outside of yet another chance for Haaland and a fine save from Ederson on a potential worldie from Crysencio Summerville, the game was well done and dusted, ensuring City would return to Manchester with all three points. 

POST MATCH THOUGHTS:

• Yes, it’s early days but we look like the best team in the world. A team notorious for starting slow looking this fluid so early in the season isn’t good for the rest of the league. And without our best player (Rodri) and reigning POTY (Foden)? Feeling confident. 
• I don’t understand how/why people try to slander Haaland. He is the best in the world. It’s not opinion - it is fact. The numbers speak for themselves. 
• Brilliant all around from so many of our players, including but not limited to: KDB, Grealish, Kovacic, Bernardo, Rico Lewis. Rico continues to impress and stake his claim. KDB looks fresh and pulled all the strings today. Grealish and Bernardo were excellent.
• The cameo from Nunes was nice. 

MOTM: Erling Haaland.. even though 2-3 other choices wouldn’t be a bad shout.

Written by: SHEIKH