On paper, this was a battle between two pretty equal teams. Both were neck and neck in the league standings, and their managers- Manuel Pellegrini and Javi Gracia, once coached together at Villarreal. And it was a pretty even clash that could’ve probably gone either way, but eventually saw Watford come away with all three points in front of 56,833 fans at the London Stadium. [Read more…]

West Ham claimed only a second win at St.James Park since 1998 as they produced a quality attacking performance away from home to beat Rafa Benitez’s men 3-0. While the Magpies were on a three game winning streak going into this game, they had lost all four of their previous games under Paul Tierney, and four became five on Saturday afternoon.

Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini rung in the changes, with four players coming into the XI that had lost to Man City. Arthur Masuaku’s horror show at the London Stadium saw Aaron Cresswell replace him at left back. Skipper Mark Noble, who surprisingly didn’t start against City, came back into the XI and so did Scottish international Robert Snodgrass, who returned from suspension. There was another start for Javier Hernandez, who had been linked with a move away from the London Stadium in the leadup to the game, which meant the like of Michail Antonio, Grady Diangana and Pedro Obiang dropped out of the XI. Andy Carroll and Jack Wilshere were both on the bench, with Arnautovic deemed fit enough to start after passing a fitness test. Chicharito played behind Arnautovic in the Hammers’ preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Newcastle made only one change, with Javi Manquillo coming in for Ciaran Clark. The Magpies had employed 5 at the back against Burnley, but switched to a more traditional back four against the Hammers. With Schar and Fernandez in decent form, Clark was the one to be dropped, despite a more than decent performance against the Clarets. [Read more…]

The headline pretty much tells it all. West Ham haven’t been a walkover for top six sides in the Premier League this season, more so at home. The pre-game predictions for this game had City as easy winners. The end scoreline may not have suggested so, but West Ham gave Pep Guardiola’s men a fair run for their money. The Spanish gaffer even agreed in the end that his “City side were lucky” and “nowhere near their best”.

West Ham had the same number of attempts as City and had eight corners, compared to their solitary one, but were on the receiving end of a humbling 4-0 scoreline. A better attacking side with more lethal finishers all round- West Ham this season have been heavily reliant on Arnautovic and Anderson for goals, might have even upset City here. [Read more…]