Manchester City shake off first half voodoo to skin West Ham

SportsWORLD

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City demonstrated their prowess by mounting a remarkable second-half comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over West Ham.

Erling Haaland, who had previously netted twice on his Premier League debut last season at the London Stadium and had six goals in four league games this term, missed a significant opportunity in the 15th minute when he scuffed a shot wide at the back post from Josko Gvardiol’s precise cross.

Manchester City
Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola and his striker Erling Haaland. [Photo/Courtesy].

James Ward-Prowse, a recent addition from Southampton to East London, showcased his aerial ability in the 36th minute, heading home Vladimir Coufal’s cross to give West Ham the lead.

Jeremy Doku, despite his involvement in West Ham’s goal, proved to be a dynamic presence on the left wing for City.

In the 43rd minute, his low shot was stabbed towards the goal from a tight angle by Haaland, only for Nayef Aguerd to clear the ball off the line.

Manchester City
James Ward-Prowse gave West Ham the lead in the closing stages of the opening half. [Photo/Courtesy].

In the opening minute of the second half, the Belgian international decided to take matters into his own hands.

He expertly coaxed Coufal into backpedaling before elegantly curling a right-footed shot into the far corner, registering his first goal for City.

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Julian Alvarez came close to extending City’s lead as his free-kick rattled the post, while Alphonse Areola made a superb save to deny Haaland’s volley from Rodri’s chipped pass.

However, Areola was left helpless when Nayef Aguerd misjudged Alvarez’s lofted ball, allowing Bernardo Silva to apply the finishing touch in the 76th minute.

Manchester City
Two of Manchester City’s scorers in the comeback win – Bernardo Silva (R) and Erling Haaland. [Photo/Courtesy].

Areola continued his impressive performance by denying Haaland once again, this time from Kyle Walker’s cross.

However, City’s leading goal scorer had the final say as he found the net from Silva’s precise pass.

The Citizens have secured victories in all five of their opening matches, making them the sole team to achieve this feat in the current season.

They have now regained the top spot, overtaking Liverpool, who earlier won 3-1 against Wolves in a lunchtime kick-off.

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