Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable win over a depleted West Ham side.
City’s victory was fueled by a stunning performance from Erling Haaland, who broke the Premier League record for goals in a season with his sublime chip over West Ham’s goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
The Norwegian’s 35-goal tally in a 38-match campaign surpassed the previous record set by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer. Haaland now has 51 goals in all competitions, just 12 goals behind Dixie Dean’s all-time English record, with a potential nine games still to play.
Nathan Ake headed City in front five minutes into the second half before Phil Foden’s deflected volley added a third, marking City’s 1,000th goal since Pep Guardiola joined the club in 2016.
West Ham, who were hit by a sickness bug and were without key players, managed just one shot on target.
City’s ninth successive league win sees them lead Arsenal by a point with a game in hand. Guardiola’s side is now chasing a Treble of the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, with Haaland leading their charge. The Norwegian has now scored eight goals in his last six league games.
Understandably, Moyes was relieved that his team’s goal difference was not significantly affected by the loss. Rice, Soucek, and Aguerd were all sidelined by illness, leaving Moyes without his midfield driving force, most potent set-piece threat, and best defender.
With Kurt Zouma ruled out through injury, Moyes had to play a plan of containment and drop further back.
When City had possession, West Ham’s Michail Antonio moved to a position on the left of a midfield three, while behind him were two deep-lying midfielders and a five-man defence.
The visitors struggled to create anything with possession, and when Antonio was replaced, Moyes spoke to him as if to assure him that he was being saved for more manageable tests ahead.
Despite their depleted squad, West Ham has been enjoying a successful season and is hopeful of finishing in the top four.
