Erling Haaland scored twice as Manchester City pummelled West Ham 4-1 in the Premier League on Saturday, while Chelsea’s recent woes continued with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Defending champions City returned to winning ways at Leicester last week after a long, lean spell and picked up three more points against Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s men took the lead in the 10th minute when Vladimir Coufal deflected Savinho’s cross past goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
Savinho also had a hand in the second goal, shortly before half-time, beating his man twice before crossing to Haaland, who lost Max Kilman and headed home.
The same players combined for City’s third in the 55th minute before Phil Foden joined the party for their fourth. Niclas Fuellkrug denied a clean sheet to the home side.
West Ham appeared to have turned the corner last month, but they have now conceded nine goals in two games following a 5-0 mauling at home by Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea were closing in on Liverpool just two weeks ago but are now nine points behind the Reds, having played two games more.
The Italian made six changes for the match at Selhurst Park, and his side took the lead when Jadon Sancho drove down the left and found Cole Palmer, who had sliced a low shot into the bottom right corner.
The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession, but they could not capitalise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta levelled in the 82nd minute.
Aston Villa beat relegation-threatened Leicester 2-1 at home with goals from Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey.
Brentford recorded a rare win on the road, smashing bottom side Southampton 5-0, and Bournemouth beat Everton 1-0.
Second-placed Arsenal are currently in action at Brighton, while Premier League leaders Liverpool host crisis-hit Manchester United on Sunday.
AFP
