City stumble again as United drawwithChelsea

Guardiola blames injuries and a hectic schedule for struggle

Manchester City squandered more points against West Ham yesterday to leave them languishing in the lower half of the Premier League table as Manchester United and Chelsea played out a soggy stalemate.

Substitute Phil Foden rescued a 1- 1 drawat the London Stadium but the disappointing result means Pep Guardiola’s team have taken just five points from their past four matches.

City remain favourites to snatch the Premier League title back from Liverpool but there are growing doubts over their ability to establish momentum in a topsy- turvy season for the ‘ big six’.

Injury- hit City, without Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and Gabriel Jesus, dominated possession but rarely found top gear against West Ham in the early kick- off.

They are already five points behind leaders Everton, who play Southampton on Sunday, and look more vulnerable than at any time since Guardiola’s first season in charge.

West Ham went ahead against the run of play in the first half through Michail Antonio’s superb overhead kick from Vladimir Coufal’s cross.

Foden, who came on at half- time, restored parity minutes later, coolly controlling Joao Can celo’s cross before slotting home.

But the visitors could not turn their dominance into goals, with West Ham indebted to Lukasz Fabianski, who produced some vital late saves.

A frustrated Guardiola said City were struggling with injuries and a hectic schedule.

“I would prefer to have results but we have to analyse where we are,” he said. “Many injuries, a lack of preparation, no recovery time, and tough games we’ve played so far.

“But the players gave everything on the pitch. Nowwe recover and think about the next game.”