Manchester City vs. West Ham: Score and Reaction from 2016 Premier League Match

Manchester City went top of the Premier League by virtue of goal differential after surviving to beat West Ham United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho both scored for the Citizens during an irresistible first-half display. However, the Hammers battled back in the second half after a keen tactical switch. 

Michail Antonio headed in just before the hour mark to ensure a tight finish, before Sterling added his second deep into stoppage time.

City once again left Joe Hart out of goal, while the visitors handed a first start to summer import Ashley Fletcher to help cover injuries up front.

BBC Sport confirmed both lineups:

Right, will Man City v West Ham bring us any goals?Kick-off is 16:00 BST. Live text https://t.co/f8EQtg79Pe pic.twitter.com/E117ltYbvw

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 28, 2016

City appeared in a bullish mood from the off, passing the ball with pace and imagination. The touch and technique of manager Pep Guardiola’s players were exceptional.

In particular, roving playmakers David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne were combining wonderfully. It was the former who slipped an exquisite ball into the inside left channel that new signing Nolito played into the path of Sterling.

The ex-Liverpool man finished with aplomb to end his scoring drought, as Sky Sports Statto showed:

Raheem Sterling ends a run of 11 apps with scoring. All 7 of his Man City PL goals have been at home pic.twitter.com/TJgQeQv1MW

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 28, 2016

Sterling’s goal continued his swift revival on Guardiola’s watch. The jet-heeled winger has always boasted the pace and intelligent off-the-ball running to terrorise any defence. Only finishing lets the 21-year-old down. More goals like this will make Sterling a consistent …

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