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Player Ratings: Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

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Manchester City overcame a tricky first half to see off West Ham and return to the top of the table with a 3-0 win at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The visitors held firm for over 45 minutes but Nathan Ake’s header after the break proved the breakthrough and opened up the space for City to break.

Jack Grealish exploited that space after 70 minutes with a pass behind the Hammers defence to Erling Haaland, who scored his record-breaking 35th Premier League goal of the season.

Phil Foden volleyed in from the edge of the box to make it three for the Premier League champions and secure all three points.

City returned to the top of the league following the win, with a game in hand over title rivals Arsenal and a home fixture against Leeds – who have just appointed Sam Allardyce – coming up at the weekend.

Here’s how we rated the Manchester City players from their 3-0 triumph over David Moyes’ side:

Stefan Ortega – 7

A surprise start in the Premier League for City’s backup goalkeeper, who did nothing wrong and will be a welcome sight between the sticks for the FA Cup final.

Kyle Walker – 7

Looked comfortable for the most part on the right of a back three. It looks likely that he’ll start against Real Madrid now and, with the wingers they have on offer, you can see why.

Ruben Dias – 7

Another solid display and clean sheet from Dias, perhaps lucky to escape a booking in the first half but otherwise marshalling the physical Hammers side well.

Nathan Aké – 8 (MOTM)

Back in the team and topped off a good performance with a big goal. City were struggling to break down the Hammers before Aké’s header went in for the opener.

John Stones – 7

Played well again in this strange role he’s been assigned, sometimes cropping up as one of City’s furthest forward players.

Rodri – 7

Same as usual from the Spaniard – the best defensive midfielder in the league if not the world. It’s getting concerning how little rest he’s getting, however.

Bernardo Silva – 7

Looked the most likely City player to create something in the first half, but the position Guardiola tried him in today meant he got in the way of the other forwards sometimes and mostly popped up on the left wing in Grealish territory.

Riyad Mahrez – 7

Very quiet in the first half but then set up the opening goal with a great delivery in the second.

Julian Alvarez – 6

As hard-working as ever but his efforts on the ball were a little bit hit-and-miss.

Jack Grealish – 7

Came closer and closer to making something happen until, in the second half, his pass set up Haaland’s goal. It’s the kind of pass we usually rely on Kevin De Bruyne to supply, but the Belgian can’t do it forever, and Grealish has it in his locker, as he showed yet again this evening for his 11th assist of the season.

Erling Haaland – 8

Didn’t get many chances, but he only needs one – and now the big Norwegian is the record holder in the Premier League. A great run and a finish just too good for Fabianski.

Substitutes:

Manuel Akanji – 6

Not much time to mark.

Phil Foden – 7

Nice little cameo topped off with a (albeit deflected) goal.

Kalvin Phillips – N/A

No real time to mark.

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