Manchester City had an outstanding match against West Ham to clinch the Premier League title for the 2023/24 season.
Manchester City hosted West Ham at home in the 38th round of the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s team needed 3 points to secure the title. As a result, the Etihad Stadium’s home team surged forward right from the kickoff.
Foden scored a brace early on.
In the 2nd minute, Foden received the ball outside the penalty area and struck with his left foot. The ball went into the corner, leaving Areola with no chance to save. The opening goal boosted Manchester City’s morale, leading to West Ham’s goalkeeper being kept busy.
In the 18th minute, Doku dribbled down the left wing and crossed the ball to Foden, who precisely finished with a first-time shot to make it 2-0. City maintained constant pressure, and West Ham only managed to push back towards the end of the half. The unexpected came in the 42nd minute when Kudus executed a beautiful bicycle kick in the penalty area, leaving Ortega with no chance to save. The first half ended with three goals.
In the second half, City continued their dominance. In the 59th minute, Bernardo Silva sensibly laid the ball back for Rodri, who struck a low shot that Areola couldn’t save despite getting a hand on it. After this goal, City slowed down the tempo but kept control of the ball.
Erling Haaland had an off day, missing several good chances. Doku kept trying but couldn’t score. Towards the end of the match, West Ham had a burst of energy and scored a second goal in the 88th minute through Soucek, but it was disallowed for handball.
In the end, Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over West Ham, officially clinching the Premier League title for the 2023/24 season with 91 points.
Final Score: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham (HT: 2-1)
Scorers:
- Manchester City: Foden 2′, 18′, Rodri 59′
- West Ham: Kudus 42′
Starting Lineups:
- Manchester City: Ortega, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Doku, Foden, Haaland
- West Ham: Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Cresswell, Emerson, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Kudus, Paqueta, Antonio
