Manchester City played a thriller against West Ham United yesterday and both teams settled for a point each with a 2-2 draw. Having a look at the overall performance of both sides suggests that a draw seems like a fair result, and neither side should have any complaints. The Citizens had to come back twice to level the game, with both goals claimed by Sergio Aguero. Here are five things we learnt from this match.
KELECHI IHEANACHO IS THE FUTURE:
The Nigerian came in as a substitute for Fabian Delph and seemed to struggle a bit in the start. As the game progressed, Iheanacho only got better and was involved in the second goal scored by Aguero. His crucial pass inside the penalty area towards Aguero provided City with an equaliser and Iheanacho’s presence, yet again, proved decisive for the Sky Blues. The 19-year-old has made a point to Pelligrini that he can be just as productive as some other richer prospects in the team.
DIMITRI PAYET IS THE WILD CARD:
When City bought De Bruyne this season, he was the talk of the transfer season since he had the highest number of assists in Europe in all competitions. The Hammers may not have had enough money to buy the no. 1 assist maker, but they got their hands on Dimitri Payet, the second highest assist maker in Europe. Payet’s presence in midfield has been vital for Slaven Billic’s side this season. He has scored 6 goals and made 4 assists in BPL this season having played 16 games only.
YAYA TOURE IS NOT A BOX TO BOX MIDFIELDER ANYMORE:
Yaya Toure, who lost the race to Dortmund’s Aubameyang for best African footballer of the year, has not been his usual best this season. The Ivorian professional has built a reputation of a world-class box-to-box midfielder since his arrival at the Etihad from Barcelona. Till last season, Toure was contributing to the defence as much as he was creating attacks.
However, his defensive form has dipped in this season to the extent that Pelligrini has to reconsider his first choice defensive midfielder. Ivorian beast was responsible for the first-minute goal by West Ham where he sluggishly let the attacker cut inside and deliver a cross. With speculations revolving around Toure’s future, it is unlikely that he will play any more seasons for Manchester City.
SERGIO AGUERO, CITY’S ONLY TRUE HOPE:
Sergio Aguero scored a brace against West Ham, one through penalty and the other from open play. Citizens went down in the first minute of the match, and Argentine professional did his best, calmly curving the ball into the lower left corner of the net, to put them level from the penalty spot. West Ham took the lead again in the second half when Otamendi was unable to clear a West Ham throw in.
Aguero struck again in the dying minutes of the match and equalised again for the City. How many times have we seen this kind of performance from City?
The former Atletico Madrid player has been the ultimate hope for Manchester City since he arrived at the Etihad. If Man City wants to win any titles this season, they need to make every effort to keep Aguero fit and healthy.
JOE HART, A REAL CHAMPION:
It was the 34th minute of the match when Dimitri Payet is settling for a free kick inside the opposition’s half. The Frenchman curled a beautiful free kick into the top right corner of the net, and there came out the left hand of Joe Hart to Payet at bay from adding yet another goal to his tally.
With an indigent defence, Hart has kept Sky Blues alive in the season thus far. His goal-stopping prowess has rescued City from all kinds of calamities in this match and throughout this season.
