Man City Player Ratings Vs West Ham: Erling Haaland Is Inevitable As City Go Top

Manchester City sent a clear message to their title rivals with a ruthless 3–0 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium, and once again, Erling Haaland was at the centre of it all.

The Norwegian striker scored twice and provided an assist as Pep Guardiola’s side cruised past a helpless West Ham team to move top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily. With Arsenal still to play, the pressure has been firmly shifted back to the Gunners.

Haaland Sets The Tone Early

City barely gave West Ham time to settle before taking control. Just five minutes in, Haaland reacted quickest after his initial effort was saved by Alphonse Areola, smashing home his 24th goal of the season across all competitions.

Moments later, he should have doubled his tally but somehow headed Rayan Cherki’s teasing cross wide. It did not matter. City were dominant, suffocating West Ham in their own half and playing with the confidence of champions.

Reijnders Joins The Party

The second goal summed up City’s superiority. Haaland shaped to shoot inside the box, drew defenders towards him, then calmly squared the ball to Tijjani Reijnders, who rifled it past Areola. The Etihad barely broke sweat as City headed into the break in full control.

West Ham’s travelling fans voiced their frustration at half-time, and although Jarrod Bowen briefly threatened early in the second half, any hopes of a comeback were short-lived.

Inevitable Haaland Strikes Again

City’s third goal felt inevitable. A sweeping team move ended with Haaland poking home from close range to claim his 19th Premier League goal of the season. Game over.

While Manchester City look every bit like title contenders, West Ham’s situation continues to worsen. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are now six games without a win and head into the festive period stuck in the relegation zone.

Manchester City Player Ratings

Gianluigi Donnarumma (7/10): A spectator for most of the game. Hardly tested.
Nico O’Reilly (7/10): Calm, composed, and tidy in possession.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10): Comfortable afternoon, kept Bowen quiet.
Ruben Dias (7/10): Solid leadership and clean defending throughout.
Matheus Nunes (8/10): Played high and aggressive, pinning West Ham back.

Tijjani Reijnders (8/10): Excellent link-up play and a well-taken goal.
Nico Gonzalez (7/10): Controlled the tempo with accurate passing.
Bernardo Silva (8/10): Pulled the strings and dictated midfield play.

Phil Foden (8/10): Constantly dangerous, drifting between lines with ease.
Rayan Cherki (7/10): Lively and creative, unlucky not to register an assist.
Erling Haaland (9/10): Two goals, one assist, and total dominance. Inevitable.

Title Pressure Intensifies

City now sit one point clear at the summit, and although Arsenal still have a game in hand, Guardiola’s men have once again reminded everyone why they remain the team to beat.

With Haaland firing, the midfield clicking, and confidence flowing, the Premier League title race just got even more interesting.
Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring for Manchester City against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium

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