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2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 3
West Ham United v Manchester City
London Stadium
London, England
Saturday, 31 August 2024
Kick-off is at 18h30
Manchester City will be looking to make it three wins from three at the start of the new
Premier League season when they travel to the London Stadium for a clash with West Ham on Saturday, August 31 in the late kick-off.
The Citizens' title defence has gotten off without a hitch thus far after they beat Chelsea 2-0 on the opening weekend before surviving an early scare to emerge 4-1 victors against Ipswich at the Etihad Stadium on August 24.
Pep Guardiola's side found themselves trailing to the newly-promoted Tractor Boys after just seven minutes, but three replies in the space of four minutes turned the tide in their favour and Erling Haaland went on to bag his first hat-trick of the campaign.
City lead the way on goal difference ahead of Brighton, Arsenal and Liverpool as the only four teams still boasting a perfect record after two rounds.
The Hammers got their season up and running with a 2-0 win over London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on August 24, having suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa in their 2024-25 opener.
Julen Lopetegui will be hoping to work his magic, with West Ham having not beaten City in the capital since 25 October 2024 and their last league win coming 11 months later in Manchester.
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Lopetegui hailed a resilient display from his players after they were made to work for all three points in South London which was earned thanks to second-half goals from Tomas Soucek (67') and Jarrod Bowen (72').
"For a moment, we suffered in the first half, but we were able to overcome these moments and we have been resilient. After this, we deserve with the performance in the second half to win," the Spaniard said.
"We have to keep going and to think of the next challenge because it's going to be very fast. They were fighting a lot, competing, which is a demand you have in all the Premier League matches because this is the level. To be able to stay at this level is very important ... I'm happy because they work very hard."
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Guardiola reserved special praise for Haaland, who bagged the 10th hat-trick of his City career against Ipswich.
"With the absence of Oscar [Bobb] who could play in that position as well because he's really good but of course Erling is irreplaceable for many aspects," the Spaniard said.
"We will find a way when he needs a rest or other circumstances, hopefully not, but to continue to be clinical and to play good.
"I like it when he runs a lot. I like it when he presses like an animal. I like it. It helps to score a goal ... We need him. It is not negotiable."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
West Ham wins - 0
Man City wins - 4
Draws - 0
Premier League Matchday 3 fixtures:
Saturday, August 31
13h30: Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion
16h00: Brentford v Southampton
16h00: Everton v Bournemouth
16h00: Ipswich Town v Fulham
16h00: Leicester City v Aston Villa
16h00: Nottingham Forest v Wolverhampton Wanderers
18h30: West Ham United v Manchester City
Sunday, September 1
14h30: Chelsea v Crystal Palace
14h30: Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
17h00: Manchester United v Liverpool
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