Manchester City are back on top of the Premier League after beating West Ham United 3-0.
Pep Guardiola’s side eventually eased past the London outfit, with Erling Haaland scoring a record-breaking 35th Premier League goal of the season.
It was Nathan Ake’s header that broke the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium.
He rose high at the back post to nod in Riyad Mahrez’s free-kick.
Haaland then raced through on goal from a Jack Grealish through ball to provide a moment for the history books.
And towards the end, Phil Foden scored with a deflected volley from the edge of the box.
In the end it was comfortable for City.
But they were made to work by West Ham up until Haaland’s goal, which killed the game.
The Hammers came into the game without some key players due to a sickness bug in the camp. Despite this, David Moyes’ team gave a good account of themselves.
They had a good shape and it made it hard for City to breach them.
At times last night, City needed the Etihad to get them going.
And the Daily Mail reported that even when City were 1-0 up, Guardiola looked displeased because the noise levels had decreased.
He turned to the Colin Bell Stand before shaking his head. Everyone then rose to their feet to cajole their side on. The manager is said to have then ‘returned some big theatrical applause’.
Man City need crowd support, especially when teams are proving hard to break down
When teams are proving hard to break down, it can be frustrating.
In the first-half last night, the Etihad crowd sensed that the noise levels needed to be raised.
Eventually Ake got the opening goal for City, but then things quietened down.
Guardiola seemingly felt the noise levels needed to pick up again because they helped his side take the lead.
It was understandable he was trying to whip everyone up given West Ham were proving very stubborn to break down.
