Erling Haaland delivered a stellar performance as Manchester City secured a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham, matching their joint-biggest Premier League win of the season. The Norwegian striker netted twice, bringing his tally to nine goals in six games against the Hammers and 16 in the league this season—just one shy of Mohamed Salah, the current top scorer.

 

City overcame a shaky start, with Vladimir Coufal inadvertently deflecting Savinho’s shot into the net in the 10th minute to settle early nerves. Despite defensive lapses, City doubled their lead when Haaland soared to head in a pinpoint cross from Savinho.

 

The Brazilian, in dazzling form, assisted Haaland again early in the second half, marking his fifth goal contribution in two games. Moments later, Phil Foden added his second league goal of the season, sealing a dominant performance. West Ham managed a late consolation through Niklas Fullkrug, but it was a minor blemish on an otherwise emphatic display by the champions.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Stefan Ortega (6/10):

 

Rarely tested until Fullkrug scored due to West Ham’s wastefulness.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

Looked far more comfortable and confident than in recent weeks, being resourceful and ambitious with the ball.

 

Manuel Akanji (5/10):

A little suspect in possession and looked vulnerable whenever West Ham broke. Fortunate the referee gave a foul when Crysencio Summerville dispossessed him by the halfway line.

Nathan Ake (6/10):

 

Strong and intelligent although he was taken off early as he still does not look fully fit.

Josko Gvardiol (6/10):

Didn’t provide his usual attacking threat but looked more solid at the back, making an important early block on a shot from Mohammed Kudus.

 

Midfield

Mateo Kovacic (5/10):

Not focused enough and gave the ball away on a couple of occasions to the fury of Guardiola, who removed him just after the hour mark.

Bernardo Silva (7/10):

Bright and creative, involved in all of City’s best moves.

Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):

 

His fight and commitment pleased the crowd and he set up Foden’s goal.

Attack

Phil Foden (6/10):

Another positive performance as he fuelled City’s attacks with his long passes before scoring himself.

Erling Haaland (8/10):

 

How he must look forward to playing against West Ham. Their high-line plays to his strengths and he bullied their defenders in the air.

Savinho (9/10):

West Ham couldn’t live with his pace and trickery on the left side and he now finally appears to be coming good.

 

 

Subs & Manager

Kyle Walker (5/10):

Could have done more to prevent the West Ham goal but also cut out an attack later on.

Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):

Gave City more calmness on the ball after replacing the erratic Kovacic.

James McAtee (N/A):

Introduced in the 80th minute.

Jack Grealish (N/A):

Brought on in the 84th.

Pep Guardiola (6/10):

This was more of what he would have liked in attack although his team are not focused enough in defence. He made the right changes to ensure City did not relinquish their early advantage like they did against Everton.