Erling Haaland produced another outstanding performance as Manchester City brushed aside West Ham United 4-1 in a dominant Premier League display on Saturday.
The Norwegian striker’s brace not only showcased his predatory instincts but also took his tally to 20 league goals this season, underlining his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
City got off to a flying start when Vladimir Coufal turned Savinho’s dangerous cross into his own net just 10 minutes in. The in-form Brazilian winger then played a starring role, delivering two exquisite assists for Haaland.
The first came just before halftime, with Haaland heading home a perfectly weighted cross after losing his marker. His second goal in the 55th minute saw him latch onto Savinho’s incisive pass, leaving the West Ham defense helpless.
Phil Foden added City’s fourth with a composed finish, sealing a dominant performance that saw the defending champions maintain pressure on league leaders Liverpool.
Despite Niclas Fuellkrug’s late consolation for the Hammers, West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare, especially after a 5-0 drubbing by Liverpool last week.
At the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Newcastle United continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tottenham, but the game was overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.
Spurs started brightly, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Dominic Solanke. However, Newcastle responded instantly as Antony Gordon struck a low effort into the bottom corner.
The goal sparked outrage from Spurs fans and manager Ange Postecoglou, as Joelinton had handled the ball in the build-up. VAR ruled the handball as accidental, prompting heated protests from the Tottenham bench.
Adding to Spurs’ frustration, Dan Burn escaped a second yellow card for a clear handball near the center circle, leaving Postecoglou fuming. Alexander Isak’s goal towards the end of the first half proved to be the match-winner, sending Newcastle into fifth place and intensifying their Champions League push.
Postecoglou lamented the officiating after the match, saying, “I’m the angriest I’ve ever been in my career. On a fair playing ground, we would have won.” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe defended the decisions, emphasizing that VAR followed the rules.
Chelsea’s lackluster form persisted with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Despite taking the lead through Cole Palmer, the Blues failed to capitalize on their dominance, allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to snatch a late equalizer.
Enzo Maresca’s side has now dropped eight points over the festive period, leaving them nine points behind Liverpool, having played two games more.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa secured a 2-1 home win over Leicester City, with Ross Barkley and Leon Bailey finding the net. Brentford dismantled bottom-placed Southampton 5-0, while Bournemouth earned a narrow 1-0 victory against Everton.
Second-placed Arsenal travels to Brighton later in the weekend, aiming to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, the league leaders host struggling Manchester United on Sunday in a high-stakes encounter that could widen the gap at the summit.
