Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City claimed back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since October as they swept aside West Ham 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland netted either side of the break, first heading home from Savinho’s delivery to put City two to the good, with the Brazilian having played a key role in the hosts’ opener when his cross was turned inadvertently in by Vladimir Coufal.
Savinho also teed up Haaland’s second to make it 3-0, with the Norwegian delicately lifting the ball over the onrushing Alphonse Areola.
Phil Foden then ruthlessly punished a mistake at the back by the Hammers, sliding the ball home after being picked out by Kevin De Bruyne on his 400th appearance for City in all competitions.
The visitors grabbed a consolation when Niclas Fullkrug swept in Tomas Soucek’s cross in the 71st minute, but the damage had already been done.
Pep Guardiola’s team remain sixth, two points adrift of the top four, while West Ham remain in 13th, having conceded nine goals in their last two Premier League games.
Data Debrief: City back to their best?
After a torrid end to 2024, the Citizens started the new year looking a lot more like the side who claimed a record fourth consecutive Premier League title last season.
Though West Ham posted more shots (17) than their opponents, City's quality in the final third told, accumulating an expected goals (xG) total of 2.03 from their 10 attempts.
And their performance was inspired by Haaland and Savinho. The Norwegian has now scored nine goals against West Ham for City in the Premier League. Only against RB Leipzig (12) has he scored more goals against a side in his top-flight club career in all competitions.
Four of Savinho’s five Premier League assists this season have been for Haaland, the joint-most from one player to another in the competition this term. The Brazilian also ended the encounter having created more chances (three) than anyone on the pitch.
