Haaland Nets Twice as Manchester City Cruises Past West Ham United
Manchester City secured a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham United. This victory extended City’s unbeaten run against the Hammers in the Premier League to 20 matches, with 17 wins and three draws. City’s confidence is high, following their sixth consecutive win in all competitions and a place in the EFL Cup semifinals.
The match began with City quickly asserting control. Phil Foden, in excellent form, created the opening for Erling Haaland. Although his first left-footed shot was saved by Alphonse Areola, the rebound fell perfectly for the Norwegian striker, who calmly slotted it home with his right foot.
From the very start, City dominated possession and territory. Haaland nearly doubled the lead with a header, but his timing was slightly off. The home fans, meanwhile, grew increasingly optimistic as the team’s intensity kept West Ham under constant pressure.
Reijnders Adds to City’s Commanding Lead
West Ham struggled to contain City’s relentless attacking play in the first half. Tijjani Reijnders eventually found the breakthrough for the visitors, lifting the ball neatly into the net after a well-executed team move. The goal reflected City’s dominance, highlighting their ability to break down defensive lines with composure and precision.
The half ended with City clearly controlling the game, leaving West Ham fans frustrated. Despite their defensive efforts, the Hammers were unable to create meaningful opportunities against a side playing with tempo and confidence.
City’s ability to maintain attacking pressure made it difficult for West Ham to mount any counterattacks. The first half firmly established City as the superior side, with the scoreboard reflecting their dominance and clinical finishing.
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Second-Half Control Secures Victory
West Ham briefly threatened after the break when Jarrod Bowen dragged a promising counterattack wide. However, this rare moment did little to change the game’s momentum. City controlled the tempo, patiently building attacks and restricting the visitors’ chances.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 69th minute. Haaland reacted quickly to a loose ball inside the box, finishing clinically to secure his 19th Premier League goal of the season. The goal effectively ended the contest, as City’s confidence and composure left West Ham struggling to respond.
Even as Crysencio Summerville forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, the outcome was never in doubt. Nuno Espírito Santo’s late substitutions had minimal impact against a side in such commanding form.
City Extend Streak, Hammers Face Christmas Worries
Haaland narrowly missed a hat trick in stoppage time, but City’s dominance was clear. The victory extended their unbeaten record against teams starting the day in the relegation zone to 47 matches, with 43 wins and four draws.
Meanwhile, West Ham remain in 18th place heading into Christmas, marking the fifth time the club has faced the festive period in the drop zone. However, past experience offers hope; the Hammers avoided relegation in the previous two instances under similar circumstances.
City’s display underlined their Premier League credentials, while West Ham must regroup quickly to ensure survival. The result reinforces City’s title challenge and leaves their visitors with plenty of work to do in the second half of the season. Stay tuned for the latest football news only at footballtipsonline.co.uk.
