Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City weren’t perfect but they were convincing in a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
MORE — Man City vs West Ham recap, video highlights
Erling Haaland sandwiched his Premier League-leading 18th and 19th goals of the season around a fourth assist of the campaign, as Tijjani Reijnders also scored in the win.
City had 66 percent of the ball and put eight of their 17 shots on target, while none of West Ham’s three shots on target could defy Gigio Donnarumma between City’s sticks.
Guardiola acknowledged his happiness with the team and their eagerness to learn and grow, but says the side have to reach much higher levels to claim the trophies expected by Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola reaction to latest Erling Haaland heroics as Man City go first
What delighted you today? “For a few things. We were really good and improving a lot defensively. I love it a lot. With the ball we were miles away from where we want to be to win big, big trophies. Our movement was not correct. We weren’t happy but I am happy because I can visualize where we have to improve.”
Will you allow the boys to celebrate the win? “You have to celebrate. I’m not saying that I’m not happy with what they’ve done in the last eight games but the only chance we have is when you grow, the team grows. The team has grown up a lot in the past weeks but with the ball still we are not good enough.”
What left you unhappy? “We give away many things because we are not in the right spots to break the lines to make the right steps. We will improve it because we are so open — the group of players are amazing and we will try to do it.”
“They had chances because our spots to play were not good. This is a little bit a problem, quite same at Leeds. They got into dangerous positions because with the ball we’re not in the right spot and then into the next step.”
Top of the table in December for the moment; “It’s good to be there but I’m telling you we have to improve our game. it won’t be enough. I’m not saying I’m not happy. I am so happy. We are in good possession and close to the top of the league. Game-by-game it will get bigger and bigger but what will define the team is how we improve. Today was clear we were not in the right spots and we have to improve ... Some moments. Some things have been really good. Others one not, That’s nice because we have margin to improve. Defensively we are moving around. Erling sure was there. But with the ball we are still away from what we have to do.”
Another good day for Erling Haaland: “Erling scores goals all of the time but today his pressing was [important]. Thanks to him. Him, Phil [Foden], and Nico O’Reilly. It provoked the long balls and that’s very, very good.”
