On May 11, 2014, Manchester City faced West Ham United in the final match of the Premier League season at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory, which confirmed their status as Premier League champions for the 2013-2014 season.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester City: 2 (Samir Nasri 39′, Vincent Kompany 49′)
- West Ham United: 0
- Possession:
- Manchester City dominated possession with 68%, while West Ham United had 32%. City’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the tempo and maintain pressure throughout the match, effectively neutralizing West Ham’s threat.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 14 shots, with 7 on target, showcasing their attacking intent and efficiency in front of goal. West Ham United had 3 shots, with 1 on target, reflecting their struggle to create clear opportunities against City’s strong defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 88%, completing 658 passes out of 750 attempts. West Ham United had a passing accuracy of 72%, completing 248 passes out of 345 attempts. City’s superior passing game was key in maintaining control of the match and breaking down West Ham’s defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester City made 10 tackles compared to West Ham’s 17, highlighting West Ham’s efforts to regain possession and disrupt City’s play. City’s defense, led by Vincent Kompany, was solid, limiting West Ham to very few opportunities.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester City’s first goal came from open play, with Samir Nasri scoring from outside the box with a low drive that beat West Ham goalkeeper Adrián. The second goal came shortly after halftime, with Vincent Kompany scoring from close range following a corner. West Ham’s set-piece opportunities were limited, and they were unable to capitalize on the few they had.
- Individual Performances:
- Samir Nasri was instrumental for Manchester City, scoring the opening goal and playing a crucial role in City’s midfield dominance. Vincent Kompany, the City captain, not only scored the second goal but also led the defense effectively, ensuring a clean sheet. For West Ham, goalkeeper Adrián made several important saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but the team struggled to compete against a superior City side.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester City employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under Manuel Pellegrini, focusing on controlling the midfield and using the creative talents of players like David Silva, Yaya Touré, and Samir Nasri to unlock West Ham’s defense. West Ham United used a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to stay compact defensively and hit City on the counter-attack, but they were unable to generate any meaningful threats.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for West Ham United (James Tomkins 27′, Mohamed Diamé 81′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up City’s attacking play and preventing further damage.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 9 corners compared to West Ham’s 2, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. City were caught offside twice, while West Ham had one offside call, indicating City’s aggressive forward play and West Ham’s cautious approach.
Summary
Manchester City’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United on the final day of the 2013-2014 Premier League season secured their second league title in three years. Goals from Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany ensured that City finished the season two points clear of second-placed Liverpool. City dominated the match, controlling possession and limiting West Ham’s chances, demonstrating their superiority throughout the contest.
The result was a fitting end to a successful campaign for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, who had been in a closely fought title race with Liverpool and Chelsea. City’s ability to handle the pressure on the final day and deliver a professional performance highlighted the quality and depth of their squad.
For West Ham United, the match was a difficult encounter as they were outplayed by the champions. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to prevent City from securing the win and the title. The match is remembered for the celebratory atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium as City lifted the Premier League trophy in front of their home fans.
