Match Analysis: West Ham United vs Manchester City (Premier League 2024)

Match Overview

On August 31, 2024, Manchester City faced West Ham United at the London Stadium in a Premier League clash that ended with a score of West Ham United 1 - 3 Manchester City. The match showcased the brilliance of Erling Haaland, who scored all three goals for City, continuing his remarkable form early in the season.

Scoring Summary

1. 10' - Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland opened the scoring after a quick transition from City, capitalizing on a mistake by Lucas Paquetá, who was dispossessed by Bernardo Silva. Silva's pass found Haaland, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.

2. 19' - Ruben Dias (Own Goal): West Ham equalized when Jarrod Bowen's low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by City defender Ruben Dias, leveling the score at 1-1.

3. 30' - Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland restored City's lead with a powerful strike from close range after receiving a lay-off from Rico Lewis, making it 2-1.

4. 83' - Erling Haaland (Manchester City): Haaland completed his hat-trick late in the game, finishing a well-timed through ball from Matheus Nunes, dinking the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Tactical Analysis

Manchester City

• Formation: Pep Guardiola deployed a 3-2-4-1 formation, which allowed for fluid attacking play and solid defensive coverage.
• Key Players:
  • Erling Haaland: His clinical finishing was on full display, scoring three goals and demonstrating his ability to find space and capitalize on opportunities.
  • Bernardo Silva: Instrumental in the build-up play, Silva's assist for the first goal showcased his vision and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
  • Rico Lewis: The young full-back was effective in both defense and attack, contributing to Haaland's second goal.

West Ham United

• Formation: Julen Lopetegui opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to control the midfield and provide support to the attack.
• Key Players:
  • Jarrod Bowen: Bowen was a constant threat on the right flank, contributing to the equalizer and creating chances for his teammates.
  • Mohammed Kudus: He was lively in the second half, hitting the woodwork and causing problems for City's defense.
  • Alphonse Areola: The goalkeeper made several crucial saves, particularly in the first half, to keep West Ham in the game.

Match Statistics

• Possession: Manchester City dominated possession with approximately 68%, reflecting their control over the game.
• Shots: City had 17 shots in the first half alone, showcasing their attacking intent, while West Ham managed to create several chances but struggled to convert them.
• Corners: City had a significant number of corners, indicating their attacking pressure throughout the match.

Key Moments

• West Ham's Response: After conceding the second goal, West Ham showed resilience and pushed for an equalizer, particularly in the second half. Their best chance came when Kudus hit the crossbar, which could have changed the momentum of the match.
• Haaland's Hat-Trick: The Norwegian's ability to score in crucial moments highlighted his importance to City's title defense and his pursuit of individual accolades.

Conclusion

The match ended with Manchester City securing a comfortable 3-1 victory over West Ham United. Erling Haaland's hat-trick not only solidified his position as the league's top scorer early in the season but also demonstrated City's attacking prowess and depth. West Ham, despite the loss, showed promise with their second-half performance, indicating potential for improvement as the season progresses.

Final Score: West Ham United 1 - 3 Manchester City

This match serves as a reminder of Manchester City's dominance in the Premier League and the challenges that lie ahead for teams looking to dethrone the champions.