Erling Haaland netted a brace as Manchester City thrashed West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, while Chelsea’s struggles continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Defending champions City, who broke a winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Leicester last week, returned to their dominant form at the Etihad against Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham.
City took the lead in the 10th minute when Vladimir Coufal deflected Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. Just before halftime, Savinho set up Haaland, who shrugged off Max Kilman and headed home for City’s second. The same duo combined again in the 55th minute for City’s third, before Phil Foden added a fourth. West Ham’s Niclas Fuellkrug scored a late consolation goal to deny City a clean sheet.
Although West Ham showed signs of improvement last month, they have now conceded nine goals in just two matches, following a humiliating 5-0 loss to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, had been closing in on Liverpool just two weeks ago but now find themselves nine points adrift after playing two more games. Maresca made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park, and his side took the lead when Jadon Sancho’s cross found Cole Palmer, who slotted home into the bottom right corner. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea failed to extend their lead, and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized in the 82nd minute.
In other matches, Aston Villa overcame relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey, while Brentford secured a rare 5-0 victory at Southampton and Bournemouth defeated Everton 1-0.
Second-placed Arsenal are currently in action at Brighton, while Premier League leaders Liverpool host a crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.
AFP
