Manchester City v West Ham | Premier League | Match Highlights

Manchester City Back on Track with Convincing Victory Over West Ham

Manchester City began 2025 with a resounding 4-1 win over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium, marking their first back-to-back Premier League victories since October. This result comes as a much-needed boost for the reigning champions, whose faltering form in the latter part of 2024 saw them tumble down the league standings and cast doubt over their Champions League aspirations. Despite being far from their dominant best, City’s attacking prowess ensured they comfortably dispatched a lackluster West Ham side.

City’s inconsistent performances during the latter months of 2024 left fans questioning whether Pep Guardiola’s side could salvage their season. A dismal run of two wins from 14 matches across all competitions not only derailed their title defense but also left their European qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The victory against West Ham, combined with a 2-0 triumph over Leicester City in their previous outing, suggests that City may finally be turning a corner.

A Bright Start Sets the Tone

The hosts wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead just 10 minutes into the match. Brazilian winger Savinho, who has shown flashes of brilliance in recent weeks, was instrumental. Cutting inside from the left, he unleashed a shot that took a significant deflection off Vladimir Coufal, wrong-footing West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola and nestling into the back of the net. It was a stroke of fortune for City, but it highlighted the attacking intent they had been sorely lacking in recent months.

Savinho’s influence only grew as the first half progressed. His ability to find space and deliver precise crosses caused constant problems for West Ham’s defense. Just before the interval, he provided a pinpoint delivery that allowed Erling Haaland to double City’s lead. Rising above his marker, the Norwegian striker powered a header past Areola, finally ending his home Premier League goal drought that had stretched back to October.

The goal was a much-needed confidence booster for Haaland, who has faced criticism for a relative dip in form. The Norwegian’s commanding presence in the box and clinical finishing reminded everyone of the qualities that made him last season’s top scorer.

A Second-Half Surge

City carried their momentum into the second half, wasting little time in extending their lead. Once again, Savinho was the architect, threading an incisive pass through West Ham’s defense. Haaland latched onto it with typical composure, lifting a delicate chip over the advancing Areola to make it 3-0. The goal not only showcased Haaland’s technical finesse but also underlined the growing partnership between him and Savinho.

For Haaland, this was his first Premier League brace since September, a statistic that underscored his struggles for consistency in the first half of the season. Savinho, meanwhile, recorded two assists in a single league game for the first time, further solidifying his status as one of City’s standout performers in recent weeks.

City’s fourth goal came courtesy of Phil Foden, who capitalized on a defensive error by West Ham. Kevin De Bruyne, making a rare start after recovering from injury, pounced on a loose ball in West Ham’s defensive third and played a perfectly weighted pass into Foden’s path. The England international kept his cool, slotting the ball past Areola to score only his second league goal of the campaign. Foden’s contribution was a timely reminder of his potential, as he looks to regain the form that made him one of City’s most promising talents.

West Ham’s Late Consolation

Despite being thoroughly outplayed for much of the match, West Ham managed to pull a goal back through Niclas Füllkrug. The German striker, a summer signing under Julen Lopetegui, converted a well-taken effort after a rare lapse in City’s defense. However, the goal was little more than a consolation, as the outcome of the match was already beyond doubt.

West Ham’s struggles were emblematic of their season under Lopetegui, with the team lacking the creativity and defensive solidity needed to compete against the Premier League’s elite. While Füllkrug’s goal was a positive moment, it did little to mask the issues that have plagued the Hammers in recent weeks.

City’s Challenges Persist

Despite the comprehensive nature of their victory, Manchester City remain well off the pace in the Premier League title race. Liverpool, who sit atop the table, are 11 points clear of City and have played two fewer matches. This significant gap leaves City with an uphill battle to reclaim their dominance in the league.

The win did, however, help City maintain their position in sixth place, preventing Bournemouth from overtaking them in the standings. While Guardiola’s side are far from their best, their recent performances offer a glimmer of hope that they can salvage their season and secure a top-four finish.

Positives to Build On

One of the key takeaways from this match was the resurgence of City’s attacking players. Savinho’s performance was particularly encouraging, as the Brazilian winger played a pivotal role in three of City’s four goals. His ability to create chances and link up with Haaland provides a new dimension to City’s attack, which has often looked one-dimensional this season.

Haaland’s brace was another major positive. The Norwegian striker, who set scoring records last season, appeared to be back to his best. His movement, positioning, and finishing were all on display, offering a reminder of why he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.

Foden’s goal and De Bruyne’s return to the starting lineup also provided reasons for optimism. The Belgian playmaker’s vision and creativity were evident throughout the match, while Foden’s confidence in front of goal could prove vital as City navigate a congested fixture schedule.

Looking Ahead

Manchester City’s victory over West Ham may not have been a turning point in their season, but it was a step in the right direction. The champions have shown that they still possess the quality to win convincingly, even when not at their best. However, consistency remains their biggest challenge, and Guardiola will need to ensure his team builds on this momentum in the coming weeks.

With the Champions League knockout stages looming and the race for a top-four finish intensifying, City cannot afford any further slip-ups. Their performance against West Ham demonstrated that they have the tools to succeed, but they must now prove that they can deliver on a regular basis.

For West Ham, this defeat highlights the work that Lopetegui still has to do to turn their season around. The Hammers have struggled for form and consistency, and their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by City. If they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle, significant improvements will be needed in both attack and defense.

In the end, Manchester City’s 4-1 win was a welcome respite from their recent struggles. While their title defense may already be over, there is still plenty to play for as the season unfolds. For now, City can take heart from their dominant display and focus on building a platform for a stronger second half of the campaign.