Haaland Strikes Twice As Man City Dominate West Ham For Consecutive Wins

Manchester City demonstrates their attacking qualities and defensive resilience, securing a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.

This win marked back-to-back Premier League victories for City for the first time since October, and it also highlighted the struggles of a West Ham side that has been wrestling with defensive frailties throughout the season.

A Promising Start for City

The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere as City sought to build momentum heading into the new year.

The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock in the 10th minute. Young Brazilian talent Savinho saw his shot take a significant deflection off West Ham defender Vladimír Coufal. The ball wrong-footed goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, nestling into the net.

Despite the early setback, West Ham fought back with several promising counter-attacks, showcasing their attacking intent.

However, their inability to capitalize on these chances would come back to haunt them as City’s relentless pressure began to take its toll.

Haaland and Savinho Combination

As the first half progressed, Manchester City began to find their rhythm. Erling Haaland doubled City’s lead just before the halftime whistle. In the 42nd minute, he rose majestically at the far post to meet Savinho’s pinpoint cross, directing a powerful header past Areola.

The second half began similarly, with City looking to extend their lead. Savinho continued to be the architect of City’s attacking play, and in the 49th minute, he delivered another exquisite through ball to Haaland.

The Norwegian striker demonstrated his composure in front of goal, lifting a delicate left-footed shot over Areola to make it 3-0. This marked Haaland’s ninth goal in just six Premier League appearances against West Ham.

West Ham’s Struggles Continue

Julen Lopetegui’s side, who had entered the match with hopes of turning their fortunes around, found themselves in dire straits as City continued to pile on the pressure.

Just moments later, Phil Foden added a fourth goal for the hosts, capitalizing on a careless West Ham error in their own half. Foden showed great poise, slipping the ball through Areola’s legs to score his first Premier League goal at the Etihad, a venue where he had previously netted a brace in the last home head-to-head clash against West Ham.

Although Niclas Füllkrug managed to pull one back for West Ham in the 71st minute, the late consolation did little to alleviate the mounting pressure on Lopetegui.

The Hammers have now conceded a staggering nine goals in their last two matches, a statistic that speaks volumes about their defensive vulnerabilities. With 79 goals conceded in the calendar year of 2024.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s emphatic victory sees them remain in sixth place, as they continue to chase the top spots in the Premier League.