Manchester City remain flawless in their third Premier League game of the season. Erling Haaland got the Skyblues back on track at West Ham United with another treble
With two wins from their first two Premier League appearances and success in the Community Shield, the season had already got off to a good start for reigning champions Manchester City. The next victory was to come at West Ham United. Pep Guardiola relied on his full attacking power with de Bruyne, Doku and Haaland, but initially left out Gündogan. Just as his opposite number Julen Lopetegui initially left Füllkrug on the bench
Dias own goal equalizes Haaland’s opening goal
In contrast to expectations, it was the home side who started to attack. Antonio was unable to convert a Kudus cross (2), then Bowen was denied by Ederson (4). However, the Cityzens quickly recovered and the familiar picture soon emerged: Haaland first headed over the goal when completely free (6th), but four minutes later he remained ice-cold and finished off Bernardo Silva’s assist to make it 1-0.
The visitors continued to dominate the game after that and created chance after chance: first Areola saved from de Bruyne (14), then the Belgian hit the ball against the post and Grealish shot over (18). But after an unnecessary own goal from Ruben Dias, who pushed a cross from Bowen into his own net unchallenged, it was suddenly 1:1 (19′). However, Haaland quickly restored the lead (30′) and Lewis even missed the chance to increase it from an acute angle (39′).
Kudus’ shot on the post brings Hammers back into the game
Conds before the break, Kudus missed the equalizer again with a shot from an acute angle – and thus brought West Ham back into the game. After the break, Manchester lost control of the game and the Hammers began to play a lively game: Kudus slammed a ball against the post (52nd), Akanji just managed to stave off Antonio (59th). It took the Sky Blues until the 64th minute to create their first chance of the second half, Bernardo Silva shooting weakly into the arms of substitute Fabianski.
Gündogan should now help the Skyblues regain control of the game. At the other end, Füllkrug came on to equalize after all. And the international striker set up Soucek, who missed (80′). It was then back to Haaland to decide the game: City countered the high-flying Hammers and the Norwegian again kept his cool alone in front of the keeper to complete the treble (83′).
Keepers can distinguish themselves late on
The striker almost added goal number four in the closing stages, but was denied by keeper Fabianski (90.+3). At the other end, Ederson made a brilliant save from Summerville (90.+4).
After the international break, City face Brentford at home on Saturday. At the same time, the Hammers visit city rivals FC Fulham.
