EPL 2016-17: Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United - 5 Talking Points
After a scintillating two-goal first half performance with a style and swagger that his teams are famed for, Pep Guardiola received a reminder of the competitiveness of the Premier League as West Ham fought their way back into a thrilling encounter at the Etihad stadium.
Raheem Sterling opened the scoring for the home side in just 7 minutes. The lead was doubled by Fernandinho header from a Kevin De Bruyne free kick shortly afterwards. Thereafter the Citizens controlled the game in a manner that would please the high standards of Guardiola.
However, there was to be a twist in the tale from West Ham as Michail Antonio headed home a cross from Arthur Masauku on 58 mins. eventually Sterling closed the game in extra time with an expert finish from a very narrow-angle to put City on top of the League table as we head into the international break. Here are the major talking points.
#1 Sterling delivers yet another stellar performance
After a tumultuous couple of summers which started with a long drawn transfer out of Liverpool into City and an indifferent performance with England at the Euros, many feared that Sterling under Guardiola would be a recipe for disaster. The move, however, has rejuvenated the winger who seems to be fulfilling his potential with every passing game. It’s been 5 games, 5 wins for Guardiola and Sterling has been right at the middle of all the good things.
His dribbling has improved, and his passing is more precise with 5 assists. The manner in which he finished off the game with his stoppage time goal was enthralling as he calmly threaded the ball past James Collins from the narrowest of angles. His form bodes well for City who plan to significantly improve their European record and with such performances, Sterling has given fans a lot of hope and optimism