By Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
EPL: Manchester City made it 20 wins in a row as they claimed a hardfought 2-1 win against West Ham United at the Etihad on Saturday.
The win means City currently have a 13-point lead over their nearest challengers Manchester United while West Ham remain the top four, but would be overtaken if Chelsea beat Ole Gunner Solskjaer side on Sunday.
City took the lead around the half-hour mark after Kevin De Bruyne whipped in an excellent, left-footed cross, which Ruben Dias connected with his head and directed past West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph to bring up his first City goal.
Moments later, Randolph had to rush off his line to prevent Riyad Mahrez latching onto a through ball from Kyle Walker, which could have led to a chance to instantly double the lead.
The Hammers managed to equalise instead just before the break thanks to Michail Antonio who diverted Jesse Lingard’s shot towards the far corner into the net.
Antonio’s strike brought an end to City’s remarkable record of not conceding a goal at home in 2021.
However, City regained the advantage in the 68th minute – this time through their other centre-back John Stones who finished off Riyad Mahrez’s pass.
