What did Man City think of West Ham and the season opener?

After that eye-opening drubbing, it’s safe to say West Ham supporters were left angry and scratching their heads about this improved squad. Manchester City fans, however, are singing a different tune.

As shown in our pre-match opposition’s view, the post-match review shows how Man City Square‘s Site Expert Dave was blown away by the performance of his team. The Cityzens were dominant in the second half and took their chances as they came, eventually steamrolling the match.

Let’s get into the questions:

1) It was a perfect match for City in the end, how do you think this dominant win will propel the team into the season?

"It’s too early to think too much about what the season may bring. It’s all about being there or thereabouts with 5 or 6 games to go. Saying that, I am a great believer in momentum and how it can carry a team over the line sometimes. Pep is right in that last season doesn’t count anymore and it’s all about what we do from here!"

2) Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez were magnificent in this match, setting up and scoring the majority of the goals between themselves. Do their performances keep Bernardo Silva on the bench moving forward?

"I dont think so. We will change formation and personnel game to game to keep people on their toes. I expect we will see Bernardo against Spurs. Mahrez cut short his holiday after Africa Cup of nations to return to City, so he is due a rest!"

3) West Ham played strong in the first half but seemed to fall apart in the second. What did the Hammers do wrong in the second frame?

"I admire the way West Ham set up and played against us. We see so many teams come and defend with 11 men that it gets dull. West Ham attempted to go toe to toe and I think that’s the way you get something off us.Saying that my surprise was how Antonio and others never got back to help out your fullbacks who were being overloaded. In my view, if you had protected the back four a little better you may have had more chance. Wilshire was a passenger and we just moved the ball around him like a training exercise."

4) Sebastien Haller was hands down West Ham’s best player in this match. What did you think of the Hammers new striker?

"I will be honest and say I cant tell. What I know from 50 years of watching football is that I am not the best judge of a player after 1 appearance. He seemed mobile and fast which are good but I am unsure if he can hit 20 goals in this league. I hope he can!"

5) Who impressed you the most for City in this match?

"There were some good City performances. I thought Ederson did well. Having a keeper who can distribute the ball that well and still make those saves is so important, especially when he is not needed for long periods! I was pleased with Laporte who returned from injury and Rodri who is just settling in. But its difficult to look beyond Sterling in terms of our star man in that game. His movement seemed to hypnotise the Hammers."

6) VAR was used quite a bit in this match, how do you feel about the system’s usage thus far and are you for or against keeping it in the Prem?

"I am not a great fan of the application of VAR because it ruins the moment as a match going fan. Yesterday the offside was crazy. Probably the law needs to change to accommodate VAR as 1mm is ridiculous!So I think VAR is fine if it stops players diving but there should be sense applied to other decisions like only consulting VAR if there is a clear and obvious mistake."

As shown by Dave above, City were dominant, West Ham contributed to their own demise, and one game isn’t enough to judge a player or a team on the season ahead.

There is a ton of season left and one match won’t define this team. Hey, maybe a good lesson learned early will help hone the focus of the Hammers. Thanks again to Dave and check out Man City Square for our answers to their post-match questions!