By SCM Sports Correspondent
ERLING HAALAND feasted on the Hammers once again as Manchester City’s fortress Etihad proved to be a house of horrors for struggling West Ham.
The Norwegian goal-machine bagged a clinical brace to propel Pep Guardiola’s side back to the Premier League summit, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo’s men frozen in the relegation zone. On a biting December afternoon in Manchester, the Etihad Stadium was transformed into a festive theatre of blue dominance, as 52,000 fans watched City extend their winning streak to seven in all competitions.
Home Sweet Home
From the first whistle, the atmosphere at the Etihad was electric. Any hopes the Londoners had of a pre-Christmas miracle were extinguished within five minutes. Phil Foden, operating like a festive conductor, picked out Haaland.
While the striker’s first effort was parried by Alphonse Areola, the rebound fell to the No. 9, who made no mistake in front of the raucous home support.
West Ham looked like tourists lost in the Manchester fog.
City’s £45 million summer signing, Tijjani Reijnders, doubled the lead before the break, finishing a slick move involving the majestic Rayan Cherki.
It was Reijnders’ first goal at the Etihad, and the stadium erupted as the Dutchman rounded off a move that defined City’s technical brilliance on their own patch.
Hammered in the North
The Hammers briefly threatened a fightback after the interval, but the Etihad is not a place that grants gifts to visitors. Gianluigi Donnarumma stood firm, denying Jarrod Bowen and even using his face to block a late Crysencio Summerville effort.
The result was put beyond doubt in the 69th minute.
Haaland pounced on a loose ball in the box to rifle home his second of the game and his 19th league goal of the season. As the rain lashed down on the Eastlands turf, the “Blue Moon” anthems rang out, celebrating a victory that was as routine as it was ruthless.
For West Ham, it’s a long, silent trip back to London. For City, the Etihad Stadium remains the ultimate Premier League graveyard for anyone daring to challenge the champions.
