Man City 3-1 West Ham: Match report and player ratings

Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a commanding 3-1 victory over West Ham United.

The win, highlighted by standout performances from Phil Foden and Rodri, marked a historic achievement in English football, never before accomplished in 135 years.

Key Moments and Player Contributions:

• Phil Foden’s Early Impact: Foden opened the scoring just 79 seconds into the match with a stunning left-footed strike from distance. He added a second goal in the 18th minute, finishing off a cross from Jeremy Doku.
• Rodri’s Commanding Presence: Rodri controlled the midfield and sealed the win with a precise low shot from outside the box early in the second half, calming any nerves after West Ham’s brief resurgence.
• West Ham’s Flash of Brilliance: Mohammed Kudus scored a spectacular bicycle kick just before halftime, momentarily reducing the deficit and injecting tension into the game.
• Erling Haaland’s Mixed Day: Haaland, usually reliable in front of goal, missed two clear opportunities but contributed effectively to the team’s build-up play.

Detailed Player Ratings:

• Goalkeeper & Defence:
  • Stefan Ortega (6/10): Rarely tested, except for Kudus’ goal. Maintained a sense of security.
  • Kyle Walker (6/10): Solid defensive performance, making crucial early blocks.
  • Manuel Akanji (5/10): Casual in possession, substituted first.
  • Ruben Dias (6/10): Kept West Ham’s attack at bay, contributing to forward plays.
  • Josko Gvardiol (7/10): Effective in transitioning play from the back, out-muscled opponents.
• Midfield:
  • Kevin De Bruyne (7/10): Involved in key attacking moves, consistent all-action display.
  • Rodri (8/10): Dominated the midfield, scored a crucial goal, fittingly ending the title race.
  • Bernardo Silva (7/10): Hard-working and creative, assisted two goals.
• Attack:
  • Phil Foden (9/10): Man of the match with two vital goals, consistently a threat.
  • Erling Haaland (4/10): Involved in build-up play but wasteful in front of goal.
  • Jeremy Doku (8/10): Created constant problems for West Ham, assisted Foden’s second goal.
• Substitutes & Manager:
  • Nathan Ake (6/10): Added strength after replacing Akanji.
  • Mateo Kovacic (N/A): Came on in added time to celebrate.
  • Pep Guardiola (7/10): Displayed his demanding nature, leading the team to a historic title.

The win was a fitting culmination of a season where Foden and Rodri’s contributions were pivotal, showcasing their importance to Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking side.

The celebrations at the Etihad Stadium were a testament to their dominance, as the chants of ‘Champions Again’ echoed through the ground.