Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan struck in the middle of a first-half snow storm before a late goal from substitute Fernandinho to seal a 2-1 home win over West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday. Manchester City moved to second place in the Premier League table and have 29 points with leaders Chelsea, who have hosted Manchester United in the previous game. West Ham, who snatched consolation from a superb shot from Manuel Lanzini in extra time, remains fourth on 23 points.
After 16 minutes were played, City’s Riyad Mahrez had an excellent chance to respond, but his shot flew into the side-netting of the goal for no loss. City took the lead in the 33rd minute of the football match when Mahrez scored the ball over the goal and Gundogan was ready to send it home. This marked the start of a strong pressure from the hosts and could go 2-0 up four minutes later, but Gabriel Jesus’ shot was deflected off the line by Ben Johnson.
After the first half, the snow blizzard subsided and an army of ground personnel cleared the field. West Ham had another pass when Aaron Cresswell overtook the goal line while City dominated. After a short fight with the defender, West Ham finally tucked the ball home and the match ended on 2-1 match score.
City coach Pep Guardiola paid tribute to stadium staff before praising the performance of his players, “It was very difficult to play in the first half. I thank the groundsmen who prepared the pitch for the match.”
Man City midfielder Rodri told the BBC, “It was a very difficult day because of the weather conditions, but against this team it is always difficult. We were lucky that we got this first goal because we didn’t play much in the first half. In the second half, we dominated and we could have scored more.”
