The Premier League is back and Man City have started with a very good result. 5-0 is a fantastic scoreline, but their performance perhaps does not warrant the hammering.
This was because it was a game of two halves for the reigning champions. They started slow in the first half and let West Ham gain confidence. However, credit to West Ham because I thought they looked very dangerous and will hurt a lot of teams this season.
Man City were clinical as Kyle Walker, inspired by his new competition at right back, accelerated past Riyad Mahrez to put an exquisite ball into the path of Gabriel Jesus, who finished smartly for 1-0.
The Man City that people recognise came out to play in the second half. They started fast and looked far more dangerous. This was highlighted by a powerful run from Kevin De Bruyne, who put Raheem Sterling through on goal, who calmly slotted home for 2-0.
Just a quick side not, I believe VAR was excellent today and got all three decisions right. However, we need this consistency every single game. If Raheem Sterling is given offside by 20mm, everyone shall now be given offside when they are 20mm offside.
Man City did not let the VAR disallowed goal dampen their spirits as they kicked on and scored 3 more excellent goals. The 3rd was a delicious ball from Riyad Mahrez over the defence, which meant a fantastic lob over the keeper from Raheem Sterling.
The 4th goal was a penalty from Sergio Aguero, who scored on his second attempt, after Declan Rice encroached into the box.
The final goal was fantastic once more from Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling, a fabulous through ball from Mahrez and a tidy finish from Sterling in the near post.
Here’s how I rated the Man City players:
