For the first time in more than three months, Erling Haaland scored twice in the Premier League as Manchester City crushed West Ham to match their season-highest victory. Following his header late in the first half, Haaland ran onto a through pass from Savinho and neatly chipped over advancing West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola.
Perhaps the finest player for Manchester City was Savinho. The Brazilian's left-wing cross, which deflected off Vladimir Coufal and left Areola alone, caused their first goal in the tenth minute. After Kevin de Bruyne selflessly set him up, Phil Foden scored a fourth, tapping home just his second league goal of the season instead of trying to celebrate his 400th City appearance grandly.
Niclas Fullkrug assisted captain Tomas Soucek's cross 19 minutes from time to give West Ham a comeback, but Crysencio Summerville squandered their greatest opportunity after that when he missed the goal with it at his mercy. Julen Lopetegui, the manager of West Ham, is still under a lot of pressure, though. This loss was not as bad as the Hammers' most recent five-goal home loss against Liverpool.
For the first time since October, City won back-to-back games, which will at least give manager Pep Guardiola hope that things are beginning to turn around after the team's terrible run that has left the treble-winning manager doubting himself in ways that have been unthinkable for the majority of his nine-year reign.
Chelsea held for 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored late to save a point for Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, extending Chelsea's winless Premier League streak to four games. The Blues had a dismal finish to 2024, losing back-to-back games and going three games without a victory. This poor play has continued into 2025.
After 14 minutes, thanks to some excellent play from Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer gave Chelsea the lead with his 13th league goal. Chelsea tried to score more goals, but Josh Acheampong, Moises Caicedo, and Sancho all missed shots, while Nicolas Jackson missed three chances. With less than ten minutes remaining, Mateta met Eze's square pass and tapped in from a few yards out to give Palace the equaliser. Chelsea remains in fourth place, while the Eagles are presently in 15th place and have won three straight league games.