LONDON – Manchester City, Premier League football champions in 2012 and 2014, went to the top of the table with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium yesterday.
They moved on goal difference above Chelsea and neighbours Manchester United, who have also won their three opening games for nine points.
Having scored twice in the first 18 minutes through Raheem Sterling and Brazilian Fernandinho, Pep Guardiola’s side appeared set for an easy three points, only to be pegged back as the London side improved after half-time.
Michail Antonio reduced the deficit in the 58th minute but Sterling scored his second goal in stoppage time from an acute angle.
Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion missed a chance to move into the top six when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Middlesbrough despite making the better opportunities in a dull game.
Albion were the more progressive side but visiting goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved comfortably from James McClean and defender Brendan Galloway.
The home side might have had a penalty when striker Salomon Rondon clearly had his shirt held by Ben Gibson and Albion’s Craig Dawson headed narrowly wide from a corner in the second half.
Middlesbrough, promoted last season under Spaniard Aitor Karanka, took 73 minutes to have a shot on target but held on to maintain their unbeaten record after three games. (Reuters)
