Sterling brace fires City to the top of the table
MANCHESTER City continued their 100% start to the season with a victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium yesterday that took them to the top of the Premier League.
City scored first when Raheem Sterling finished off a superb team move and Fernandinho headed in a second from Kevin de Bruyne’s free kick.
West Ham pulled a goal back in the second half when Michail Antonio nodded in Arthur Masuaku’s cross.
Sterling added his second late on when he stroked home from a tight angle.
The season may be in its infancy but already the title contenders have put down a few markers with three games gone.
Chelsea and Manchester United both secured victories on Saturday, which turned the focus on Pep Guardiola’s side before the international break, and they responded with a determined display.
A blistering start – underpinned by the attacking triumvirate of Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Nolito – yielded a slick goal finished off by Sterling.
It was not just the polished passing and intense pressing which caught the eye. City’s second goal ensured four of their nine Premier League goals this season have come from set pieces.
That they could not convert their first-half dominance into more goals will be mildly concerning to Guardiola as they allowed West Ham back into the contest after the break.
However, a steely response to see out the victory when put under pressure, before Sterling calmly passed the ball into the net in injury time, will have pleased the City boss.
Sterling has been rejuvenated by Guardiola, and his two goals put the gloss on another impressive display.
With three assists so far in this campaign, he has had a hand in five goals in four games.
By contrast, he was involved in just four goals in his last 17 appearances under Guardiola’s predecessor Manuel Pellegrini.
If Sterling’s form can be sustained over the course of the 2016-17 season, he will emerge as a key component in City’s quest for silverware.
There was every chance Slaven Bilic’s side could have been blown away by City, such was the home side’s imperious start, but they stood firm.
It was a spirited showing from the visitors, particularly after their disappointing exit from the Europa League on Thursday, and the Etihad crowd shifted uneasily once Antonio pulled a goal back.
Had the Hammers possessed a more potent goal threat they may well have left Manchester with more to show for their efforts.
Also yesterday, West Bromwich Albion missed a chance to move into the Premier League’s top six when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Middlesbrough despite making the better opportunities in a dull game.
Albion were the more progressive side, but visiting goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved comfortably from James McClean and defender Brendan Galloway.
The draw took them into joint sixth place with Tottenham.
It was a solid performance but one lacking attacking threat, despite the vigorous efforts of Alvaro Negredo, the former Manchester City striker signed on a season’s loan from Valencia. – BBC-Reuters WHAT the Tshwane Derby lacks in hype, prestige and a sold-out crowd, it makes up for in entertainment and goals.
Yesterday it added drama to the mix, with tempers flaring at Loftus Versfeld. It all started before the match had even kicked off, resulting in the start being delayed by a minute.
The clubs fought over who should use the bench on the right, which is traditionally reserved for the away team.
But Sundowns sit on that side in their home matches here and at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville – a venue they share with United.
Both teams warmed up on one side, the right – and they both went to that bench just before the match was due to start.
Matsatsantsa a Pitori chairman Khulu Sibiya joked at the club’s awards on August 18 that they should silence their noisy neighbours.
Sibiya went so far as to say: “Lapho kumele sikhiphe igoni” (We must bring a knife to that fight). The match was indeed a street fight, but Matsatsantsa brought a blunt knife.
SuperSport were the better side in the early exchanges, but Sundowns took the lead through Wayne Arendse in the 18th minute. The centre-back hammered home from close range after the visitors failed to clear their lines.
Kingston Nkhatha sharpened things up for United when he came on for Bradley