Manchester City maintained their perfect record in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over West Ham United.
The Hammers came into the game with a depleted squad, which was made evident early on when the Sky Blues raced to a quick 2-0 lead. Raheem Sterling finished off a slick move to open the scoring, not long before Fernandinho doubled the advantage with a thumping header.
Michail Anotnio did manage to get a goal back in the second-half to give West Ham a glimmer of hope, yet Sterling then wrapped the game up with his second to ensure a comfortable victory for The Citizens.
Manchester City
Willy Caballero – 5: Did not have a lot of saves to make but was efficient when called upon.
Pablo Zabaleta – 6: Flourishing under Guardiola’s style of play. Defensively untested and was good whenever on the ball.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7: Flawless performance from the Argentine who did not have much to deal with, although was City’s best defender on the day.
John Stones – 5: Substituted early in the second-half due to a suspected eye injury, moments after West Ham scored the goal.
Gael Clichy – 6: Selected over Aleksandar Kolarov and justified his manager’s faith. A decent outing for the French fullback.
Fernandinho – 7: Has been a rock in the City midfield this season, allowing those ahead of him freedom to roam. Scored a goal with a powerful header to make it 2-0
David Silva – 7.5: A passing masterclass from Silva, who rarely put a foot wrong. Was at the centre of all City’s attacks and nearly got on the score sheet himself toward the end – only to be denied by the upright.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7.5: Quality deliveries throughout the game from the Belgian and he laid the ball on a plate for Fernandinho’s goal.
Nolito – 6: The Spaniard was not as effective as the other City midfielders, although he did have a good game until he was brought off for Samir Nasri in the latter stages.
Raheem Sterling – 9: The youngster seems to have put his disappointing year behind him, starting extremely well under Guardiola. Scored the first and last goal of the game to wrap up a Man-of-the-Match performance.
Sergio Aguero – 6: An unusually quite game for the Argentine, who was well ushered by Winston Reid and James Collins. Brought off with few minutes left to play.
Substitutes
Aleksandar Kolarov – 5: Came on for Stones and did his job in the centre-back position to deny West Ham an equaliser.
Samir Nasri – 6: Brought on well into the second-half and used his pace and skill to work City’s counter-attacks.
Fernando – N/A: A late sub to help run down the clock.
West Ham United
Adrian – 6: Had it not been for the goalkeeper, his side would have lost the game by a much larger margin. Unlucky as he could do nothing about any of the goals.
Michail Anotonio – 7: Two goals in two games for Antonio, who looked the most spirited performer for the Hammers. Netted with a trademark header at the back post.
James Collins – 5: Did a good job of keeping Aguero at bay, but was helpless against a ruthless City midfield.
Winston Reid – 5: Not the best of games for the New Zealander, who did his best to quell the opposition danger in the final third.
Angelo Ogbonna – 4: The former Juventus defender was virtually invisible throughout the game and could not keep up with City’s passing game.
Arthur Masuaku – 4: Could have been sent off on numerous occasions for a second bookable offence and will count himself lucky to be able to complete the 90.
Gokhan Tore – 5: Brought off at the break after a poor first-half showing.
Cheikhou Kouyate – 4: Defended a little better in the second-half against a rampant home side but otherwise had little to offer.
Mark Noble – 5: The 29-year-old was unusually sloppy with his passing, conceding possession on far too many occasions.
Ashley Fletcher – 4: Was left isolated up front for most of the game and had little joy as he was closely watched by the City back four.
Enner Valencia –4: Another Hammers player who endured a difficult outing. Taken off in the second-half.
Substitutes
Sam Byram – 6: Replaced Tore for the second-half and provided much more stability on West Ham’s right-hand side.
Manuel Lanzini– 4: Made his first appearance of the season and looked understandably rusty.
Jonathan Calleri – 4: Replaced Reid for the final minutes of the game to provide an attacking spark, but could not conjure up anything meaningful.
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