Manchester City’s title challenge seems to be virtually over, but it did not stop the Sky Blues from putting in a committed effort to see off a depleted West Ham United on Sunday.
It was a comfortable victory for the Champions at home, who have severely struggled away from the Etihad since the turn of the year. An outrageous own goal from James Collins and a clinical finish from Golden Boot candidate Sergio Aguero gave Manuel Pellegrini’s men a deserved 2-0 win at the Etihad.
Jesus Navas created both goals and threatened the Hammer’s defence with his breathtaking pace throughout the game. Arguably the shortest man on the pitch, Navas managed to beat Aaron Cresswell in the air before whipping in a brilliant cross into the box that James Collins was unable to deal with effectively. The Welshman sliced his attempted clearance from the cross and it looped past Adrian to give City a fortunate lead. Navas was involved in the second goal as well, as he squared the ball to Aguero who easily found the back of the net to take his tally to 20 goals in the league, this season.
City will be sweating on the injury to David Silva who was stretchered off in the second half after coming off worse for wear following an accidental elbow to the cheek from Kouyate. They were also without injured skipper Vincent Kompany, and it showed with the side struggling defensively, forcing Joe Hart to rescue the back four on numerous occasions.
Formations
Pellegrini put out a strong side but was disappointed to not have Kompany in the centre of defence. City made four changes to the side that lost to Manchester United the week before. Kompany, Gael Clichy, Fernandinho and James Milner were replaced by Mangala, Alexander Kolarov, Fernando and Frank Lampard. The Sky Blues opted for a single striker in Aguero who now has three goals in his last two apearances.
Manchester City starting XI (4-3-3): Hart (GK), Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernando, Yaya Toure, Lampard, Silva, Navas, Aguero
West Ham came into this one with major injury concerns in their striking department. They only made one change to the side that drew against Stoke City, the previos week. Carlton Cole started up front for the Hammers in the absence of the injured Diafra Sakho. Allardyce preferred a five man midfield, with Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia on the wings.
West Ham United starting XI (4-5-1): Adrian (GK), Jenkinson, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Song, Noble, Kouyate, Downing, Enner Valencia, C.Cole.
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Navas dangerous on the right
Jesus Navas put in a match winning performance down the right hand side and managed to create both goals. Cresswell had his hands full with Navas and also Pablo Zabaleta overlapping, made it even more difficult. The Spaniard’s speed proved to be too hot to handle for the young English left-back. A crucial moment in the game was when Navas beat Cresswell in the air and raced ahead to create the first goal of the game.
City dominated the shooting stats
City were expected to come out all guns blazing after a series of losses. Their intention was clear, they wanted goals. The Sky Blues managed an impressive 19 shots during the match, while West Ham’s striker problems were even more evident as they managed only 9 shots, while just 3 were on target. City’s defence looked lost in Kompany’s absence and they had to rely on Hart to keep out West Ham.
Conclusion – Manchester City
City comfortably grabbed all three points at home on Sunday but it is away from home where they are struggling. They have lost their last four away games on the road and have only won once since the start of the year. City’s away form has led them to drop down to fourth behind Chelsea, Arsenal and United. Arguably, they will be aiming to finish in the top four to ensure Champions League football next season. City host Aston Villa next, with three points a necessity.
Conclusion – West Ham
The Hammers have an even worse record away from home, with their last win away from Upton Park coming at the start of December. Crystal Palace and Everton are right on their tails and Allardyce’s men will do well to hold on the 10th position come the end of the season. The hammers visit Queens Park Rangers next and a win will certainly brighten their fans mood.
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