"Manchester City Extends Their Lead with a Dominant Victory against West Ham United in Premier League Encounter"

Introduction:

Manchester City faced West Ham United in a much-anticipated Premier League encounter, with the reigning champions looking to extend their lead at the top of the table. Both teams were aiming for a victory, with City looking to maintain their unbeaten run, while West Ham were hoping to close the gap on the top four. The game was streamed live on various platforms, with fans tuning in from all over the world to catch the action.

First Half:

Manchester City started the game brightly and dominated possession from the outset. The Citizens looked to press high up the field, and it didn't take long for them to create their first chance of the game. Riyad Mahrez made a bursting run down the right flank and cut inside before unleashing a shot that went just wide of the post. West Ham responded well and started to find their feet in the game, with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek bossing the midfield.

However, City's pressure paid off in the 18th minute when they took the lead. Kevin De Bruyne played a delightful through ball to Phil Foden, who kept his composure to slot the ball past the onrushing Lukasz Fabianski. The Hammers tried to hit back immediately, but their attacks were thwarted by City's resolute defence.

City doubled their lead just before half-time, with De Bruyne again the provider. The Belgian midfielder picked out Raheem Sterling with a pinpoint cross, and the England international made no mistake, heading the ball past Fabianski. The hosts went into the break with a two-goal cushion, leaving West Ham with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Second Half:

West Ham started the second half brightly, with Michail Antonio causing problems for City's defence. The Hammers had a penalty appeal turned down when Antonio went down in the box, but the referee waved play on. City weathered the storm and began to regain control of the game, with De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan pulling the strings in midfield.

City made it 3-0 in the 68th minute, with Gundogan getting on the scoresheet. The German midfielder received the ball from Mahrez and took a touch before firing a low shot past Fabianski. West Ham continued to fight and pulled a goal back in the 82nd minute, with substitute Angelo Ogbonna heading in from a corner.

However, City put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time when Sterling scored his second of the game. The winger collected the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to make it 4-1. The final whistle blew, and City celebrated a comprehensive victory that extended their lead at the top of the table.

Conclusion:

Manchester City put in a dominant performance against West Ham United, extending their unbeaten run in the Premier League. The Citizens looked comfortable throughout the game, with their midfield trio of De Bruyne, Foden, and Gundogan dictating play. Sterling was also in fine form, scoring two goals to cap off a fine display.

West Ham will be disappointed with the result, but they can take heart from their second-half performance. Antonio caused problems for City's defence, and the Hammers will be hoping to build on that going forward. The defeat leaves West Ham in fifth place, three points behind Chelsea in fourth.

City, on the other hand, will be delighted with the result, which sees them extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points. Pep Guardiola's side are well on their way to securing their third Premier League title in four years, and they will be looking to maintain their momentum in the coming weeks.