Man City took advantage of Liverpool's draw at Fulham and began the season with a convincing 0-2 victory over West Ham. New signing Erling Haaland was the hero for Guardiola's side with a goal in each half. His first came in the 36th minute from the penalty spot, a penalty which he himself won, and the second came in the second half. It was the perfect way to respond after losing the Community Shield to Liverpool.
West Ham had nothing to lose and got off to a strong start. In the second minute, Jarred Bowen had a shot blocked and then Michail Antonio headed a cross over the bar. However, after the first five minutes or so, Man City picked up and never looked back.
Kevin de Bruyne had an early effort which went wide of the mark and the Belgian then had a goal disallowed just before the half hour after lovely play involving Grealish, Haaland and Gundogan. West Ham lost goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski to injury after landing awkwardly while trying to clear a cross and Alphonse Areola had to come on to replace him.
That loss proved to be costly as, after 35 minutes, Areola brought down Haaland in the box and the referee Michael Oliver pointed to the penalty spot. Haaland dusted himself down and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Man City the lead. The goal gave the away side a lift and they easily saw out the rest of the first half.
August 7, 2022
The second half started in similar fashion, but the Hammers did have an opportunity through Declan Rice, but he failed to hit the target. Just before the hour mark, David Moyes brought on new signing Gianluca Scamacca and Benrahma and the match began to open up.
Gundogan should have made it two after a beautiful cross from De Bruyne on this near side, but Gundogan failed to hit the target with his shot while the home side counter and Benrahma was denied by a fine stop by Ederson. However, 25 minutes from time, Erling Haaland sealed the deal.
Rodri passed the ball to De Bruyne in his own half and the Belgian then played a pinpoint pass for Haaland to run onto. The Norwegian got onto the ball and kept his composure in front of Areola to double Man City's advantage. It was exactly the reason why City had signed him from Dortmund in the summer and the Hammers were practically out of it.
Haaland had a chance to complete his hat-trick, but he headed over from Grealish's cut-back. Haaland was taken off with 15 minutes to go and City, who brought on Kalvin Phillips for his debut, saw out the game to begin the league campaign with a comfortable victory.