Premier League 2021/22: Manchester City come back from behind to avoid Hammer blow – tactical analysis

The fixture at the London Stadium had a lot riding on it. After disappointing European semi-final exits for both teams earlier this month, Manchester City’s sole focus has now shifted to the Premier League, while avoiding defeat would ensure European football next season for West Ham.

City travelled to London on the back of scoring 22 goals in their last 5 league games. Victory at West Ham on Sunday would have all but sealed a fourth Premier League title in five years for Pep Guardiola’s side. However, season-ending injuries to Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and John Stones has left the team with a fractured defensive line and forced Pep to start the game with Fernandinho at centre-back.

A lacklustre first-half City display was exploited by two-goal hero Jarrod Bowen. The champions managed to fight their way back in the second half to level the scores courtesy of a Jack Grealish strike and Vladimir Coufals own goal. There was a further twist when Riyad Mahrez had a late penalty saved to deny City an incredible comeback win.

Despite surrendering a two-goal first-half lead, West Ham managed to hold on to a point which secures European football for next season. Whether that is in the form of the Europa League or Conference League will be decided on the final day. The occasion also served as Mark Noble’s final home appearance as a Hammer after nearly 20 years in the first team.

This tactical analysis will break down some of the key tactics we saw in Sunday’s match.

Line-ups

David Moyes made one change to the team that comfortably cruised past Norwich 4-0 last week. Saïd Benrahma was replaced by Tomáš Souček in midfield.

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Łukasz Fabiański; Vladimir Coufal, Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma, Aaron Cresswell; Tomáš Souček, Declan Rice; Jarrod Bowen, Manuel Lanzini, Pablo Fornals; Michail Antonio.

As for Man City, defensive injuries saw Fernandinho once again partner Aymeric Laporte in central defense. Riyad Mahrez, Gabriel Jesus and Jack Grealish came in for İlkay Gündoğan, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Ederson; João Cancelo, Fernandinho, Aymeric Laporte, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Rodrigo, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne; Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, Gabriel Jesus.

Team shapes

The game was mostly played in West Ham’s half. City enjoyed 77% possession and completed 668 passes (West Ham: 180 passes). West Ham would initially defend in a 4-2-3-1 shape during Man City’s build up from the back.

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