Pep Guardiola’s title hopefuls burst out of the gates early on against the Hammers, and were two goals ahead within 18 minutes after Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho struck against the listless visitors as they struggled in a 3-5-2 formation. “So credit for him for really giving me that boost”.
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The 25-year-old has also made 14 worldwide appearances for Italy, but blazed a bad spot-kick over the crossbar as the Azzurri were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Germany after a dramatic penalty shoot-out in July.
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.
The Argentine appeared to throw an elbow at West Ham defender Winston Reid and, if judged to be deliberate, he could face retrospective punishment. I saw him exhausted and with problems, no injury.
West Ham’s early season injury problems, particularly the loss of star playmaker Dimitri Payet, was keenly felt and Willy Caballero – given the nod between the sticks once again over Joe Hart – was little more than a spectator.
Aguero had a frustrating afternoon in front of goal and that might have provoked his uncharacteristic elbow on Reid, who went off looking decidedly worse for wear. “Hopefully nothing happens. If it happens, we accept and adapt and we will try our best”.
“But I said everything depends on what’s up there [in your head] and your desire”.
Guardiola said he didn’t see the incident and gave short shrift to the possibility of a suspension for Aguero – but was much happier to talk about Sterling’s revival.
Things became more even and Bilic sensed the opportunity, even if he did not have the weaponry at his disposal to capitalise on it. Aguero had been wrongly pulled up for offside when he was put clear seconds before the West Ham goal, and his frustration may have showed when he tangled with Reid. It is a handsome stadium and I felt the warmth of the fans and this was a big reason why I wanted to join the club. “He said he got something to the throat”. We wanted to change the shape.
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.
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Guardiola said: “It depends on the player, but he can stay”. “Samir arrived overweight but after seven days, 10 days, it was fantastic how he trained”.
