Manchester City moved above Arsenal with a 3-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League, yet Pep Guardiola insisted standards must rise further. The win at the Etihad pushed City to the top of the table for at least a few hours, while also extending a run of three straight league clean sheets.
Erling Haaland was central again. Haaland scored twice and also assisted Tijjani Reijnders in the first half, passing 200 goal involvements in Europe’s top five leagues with 201. Despite that output and City’s control, Guardiola underlined that the performance on the ball still fell short of what is needed.
City’s result increased the pressure on Arsenal, who faced Everton later on Saturday. Guardiola stressed that maintaining this pace is essential in the title
race. He warned that City’s current level in possession will not be enough against Arsenal, even while praising the team’s recent run of eight matches.
Guardiola did not hide the mixed feelings after such a clear victory. "They have to celebrate. I'm not saying I'm not happy with what they have done in the last eight games. I'm really pleased," Guardiola said, before stressing that City still have to improve several aspects of their play.
City dominated most key numbers at the Etihad, creating pressure throughout the match. Guardiola’s side attempted 17 shots, with eight on target, generating 2.4 expected goals and six big chances. That control backed up their defensive form, as this was the first time since December 2021 they had three consecutive league wins with clean sheets.
Even so, Guardiola focused on City’s structure in possession. "The only chance we don't have experience of that, I'm sorry, is when the team grows. It's an aspect; we have grown up a lot in the last weeks. Especially [this game], we made a very big statement, but with the ball, still, we are not good enough. "
Key attacking and defensive figures from the match are set out below.
Guardiola expanded on that theme, pointing to issues in positioning and bravery with the ball. "With the ball, we are not good, so we give away many things because we are not in the right spots to break the lines and make the next steps. Because the players are not courageous to do that action. It's good to be there, but I'm telling you, we cannot beat Arsenal if we do not improve our game. It will not be enough. It's what I truly believe. I'm so happy, we are in a good position. "
Manchester City vs West Ham Premier League relegation battle
For West Ham, the defeat deepened a difficult league campaign. West Ham have now lost 10 of their 17 Premier League matches this season, winning three and drawing four. They sit 18th, three points behind Leeds United, and this is the fifth time the club have spent Christmas in the relegation zone.
Historical patterns offer mixed signs for West Ham. The club have previously reached 10 league defeats this quickly in 2002-03, 2006-07 and 2022-23, all by matchday 16. On the two earlier occasions when West Ham were in 18th or 19th position at Christmas but not bottom, they avoided relegation by improving in the second half of the season.
Nuno Espirito Santo accepted the scale of the task after watching City take early control. "Better second half, especially the beginning," Nuno told Sky Sports. "First half not so good. We started badly, they scored and controlled the game. Better second half. We had a poor start, didn't quite do what we had in mind for the game plan. Everything becomes hard when you concede so early. "
Nuno highlighted specific defensive lapses around City’s goals. "I watched the goals. Bouncing balls, we should have done better. These balls always go to the City players. I have to have a proper look at the game to analyse. " The head coach pointed towards correcting details and improving West Ham’s response under pressure.
With West Ham in the relegation places, Nuno stressed the need for realism and focus. "It's a reality. We have to face it. Importance now is to recover and be ready to compete against Fulham. We have a lot of work to do. I'm focused on how we have to do things, how we perform, improving our game and players. These matches in the Christmas period are crucial. "
City leave the match strengthened in the Premier League title race, yet Guardiola’s comments show the champions are still searching for a higher level. West Ham, meanwhile, leave Manchester aware of the pressure at the bottom, needing points against Fulham and beyond to climb away from the relegation zone.
