Sterling Stars As Manchester City Smash West Ham

The scoreline in this game will luckily be remembered long after the detail of the match is forgotten. The truth is Manchester City were sloppy at times and still have much room to improve to reach the heights of last season.

As any Manchester City will attest, it was pleasing to see De Bruyne playing a game and looking like the player we know he is. It is clear he is not yet back to his best, but it is tantalisingly close. In the first half he laboured at times but regardless he always looked to be in control.

For much of the first half the eventual scoreline appeared unlikely. West Ham were quick in possession, threatening in attack and measured on the ball. Both sides enjoyed an even level of possession.

There were snatches of things to come. Mahrez flashed a shot which almost caught Fabianski by surprise. Sterling got in behind the full back but ran out of pitch. But West Ham still looked as though they could catch out City and there was some last minute defending called up and some moments where VAR studied City tackles before ruling no foul.

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VAR was yet to play an important part in this game but rest assured it would have its moment.

City struck the first goal after 24 minutes and it was a wonderful piece of skill by Gabriel Jesus. Now sporting the number 9, we all know this is his year! The ball was whipped in to Jesus after a sudden burst of acceleration by Kyle Walker. City could have added a second within minutes had it not been for some excellent West Ham defending.

The second half started with an uncharacteristically misplaced pass from De Bruyne and the worry was that the sloppiness, rather than having been cured by Guardiola during the half time team talk, was set in for the duration. It was not to be the case as De Bruyne released Sterling for the second goal within 6 minutes of the kick off.

A burst of speed from De Bruyne saw him power through the middle of the West Ham team, bearing down he released Sterling to his left who slotted home. It was at this point VAR kicked in and somewhat ruined the moment.

A beautiful crisp passing movement saw Sterling place the ball on a plate for Jesus who slotted home. Trouble was Sterling was adjudged to be about 1 mm offside via his shoulder in the build up. Therein lies the problem with the application of VAR. There was no clear and obvious error here and for me that is what the tool should be reserved for.

Following the chalking off of the third goal, City became a little flat and had to claw their way back into the game. It felt as though the momentum had switched to West Ham who now had an energised crowd with them. City did well to weather this storm and it was another test of their character. There will no doubt be sterner tests ahead.

There was a hair raising moment here Ederson was called into action to make a quick fire double save and that appeared to energise City again. The third goal this time stood and was marvellous. Brilliant running by Sterling in behind as he ran into space released by a lofted pass from Mahrez.

Mahrez was brought down in the penalty area after a couple of step overs and Aguero slotted home his penalty at the second attempt. The first attempt was soft and mishit but luckily Fabianski was not on his line. Aguero has nerves of steel.

The final goal completed Sterling’s hat trick and it was well deserved. His movement throughout the game was mesmerising. He sold Fabianski a dummy and slotted home to seal a fine first performance in the Premier League season.

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The record books will show that Manchester City have won the first League game in each of the last 10 seasons so it would be too soon to read much into this result. Still, at the very least the season ahead looks pretty exciting. What a time to be alive.

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