Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has thanked new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for his unbelievable start to the season.
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West Ham have had a miserable few days, with the loss at City following on from the east London club making a shock exit from Europe.
City could have leading scorer Sergio Aguero banned for the derby match against United next month if retrospective action is taken after he appeared to swing an arm at West Ham’s Winston Reid, who had to go off after taking a blow to the throat.
While there was plenty of excitement at Eastlands, the same could not be said of yesterday’s earlier clash between two of the league’s lesser lights as West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough played out a dispiriting goalless draw at The Hawthorns.
The Baggies, haven’t tasted victory on home turf since defeating Manchester United nearly six months ago.
Guardiola’s men continued to dominate at the Etihad Stadium, although Michail Antonio’s second headed goal in as many top-flight games threatened to tear up the script in the second half.
City came flying out of the traps and had already produced three attempts on goal before Sterling put them ahead in the seventh minute.
Sterling got his second late on to confirm city had got the three points when he scored from a tight angle.
Manchester City’s 3-1 win was sealed by a Raheem Sterling double and a Fernandinho header as the champions of 2012 and 2014 went top of the table. We created many chances, I don’t know how many shots we had but the performance in general was real good with or without the ball. He said the anger he showed after the incident was because he had wanted to make a substitution.
City’s second goal ensured four of their nine Premier League goals this season have come from set-pieces.
Elsewhere, West Brom manager Tony Pulis was keen to freshen up his squad before the transfer window closes on Wednesday after a forgettable stalemate with Middlesbrough. Like other players – our full backs are coming inside – we have to listen to what the manager wants.
Newly-promoted ‘Boro, meanwhile, maintained their unbeaten start to a first top-flight campaign in seven years.
“The reaction in the second half was better”.
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“I don’t agree that I have been revitalised under Guardiola”, he said. We feel the players believe in what we do and that is more satisfying for the coach of course, but that without results is nothing.
