Moyes’ defensive strategy not paying dividends
West Ham have played almost the entirety of the match with 10 men behind the ball, with only Jamaican striker Michail Antonio free from defensive duties.
Manager David Moyes may be ruing his defensive strategy as, so far, it’s only invited pressure from Man City. City have enjoyed 77% possession, 13 shots, and two goals against the team from London.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin off the post
Everton’s Calvert-Lewin made a nice move for separation on the right side of the box and took a shot that hit off the left post. Everton nearly strikes first in this match.
Amadou Onana down briefly, back up
Brief stoppage in play for Arsenal-Everton as midfielder Amadou Onana went down. Slow to get up after training staff worked on him but seems fine and play resumes.
City relentless against West Ham
Man City’s attack has been relentlessness against West Ham as they lead 2-0. West Ham’s keeper, Alphonse Areola, seems the busiest man on the pitch, facing nine shots, with seven on target, within the first 25 minutes of the match.
Nottingham Forest scores again
The squad takes a 2-0 lead with a pair of goals from Chris Wood, one in the second minute, the other coming in the 14th.
Forest was technically not safe from relegation today since they were potentially able to be tied with Luton Town on points but held a 12 goal lead in goal differential.
Foden scores again
There’s a reason he was Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writer Player of the Year.
Foden, 23, scores his second of the day within the first 20 minutes. City’s attack has been relentless in the opening stages of the match as they inch closer to the Premier League title.
City dominates the ball against the Hammers
West Ham have barely touched the ball in the first 10 minutes of this match against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s signature possession style of play is on full display this Sunday, with many attacks coming from Jérémy Doku on the left flank of the field.
City’s dominance has resulted in 83% possession of the ball thus far, with three shots on target, while West Ham has yet to manage any shots at all.
A couple of early goals around the league
Besides Man City’s early lead, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest both scored goals within the first 10 minutes.
Forest, who technically are facing relegation today, scored in the second-minute in their match against Burnley.
And Crystal Palace took an early lead against Aston Villa with a goal in the ninth-minute by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Huge save by Jordan Pickford
Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli was streaking down the right side of the field alone and let it rip just inside the box. The Everton keeper had to use a full extension to stop the Brazilian’s shot.
Remains 0-0 through 16 minutes.
Declan Rice shot stopped
The Arsenal midfielder had the ball bounce out to him just inside the box with nobody around him but his shot was right at goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and stopped. He won’t get much better opportunities today.
0-0 through 12 minutes.
Arsenal in control early
Fans at Emirates Stadium certainly aren’t happy with the early 1-0 lead by Man City, but Arsenal is controlling their matchup with Everton so far.
Mikel Arteta’s club has 80 percent possession with 3 shots on goal and a corner through 9 minutes.
Foden scores within the first 2 minutes
Man City wasted no time to get on the score sheet with their standout player this year, Phil Foden, banging in a screamer with less than 90 seconds on the clock.
The 23-year-old won the Premier League’s Player of the Year this season and continues his blazing form with a sumptuous strike into the top left corner of the goal. If the score stands, Man City will take the title.
Arsenal manager would make history with title
Mikel Arteta, who took over at the Emirates in Dec. 2019, is looking to become the youngest manager to win the Premier League title. He is 42 years, 54 days old.
He would also become the first manager to win the title having previously played for that club.
Pep Guardiola says title race will come down to mentality
Asked what will decide the Premier League title this season, Man City gaffer Pep Guardiola said, “I would say our thoughts,” in a pre-match interview.
“During the game, there are many, many things going to happen,” the Catalan added while tapping his head.
“It’s the thoughts control yourself, or you control your thoughts.”
Guardiola’s men are vying to become the first team to win four consecutive titles in the Premier League era. All three points against ninth-place West Ham, and the trophy is coming back to Manchester.