Premier League: Manchester City fight back to hold West Ham
Manchester City staged a resounding comeback against West Ham to level the score 2-2 in the Premier League on Sunday. Jarrod Bowen's early exploits led West Ham to take a 2-0 lead by half-time. However, the Citizens pulled one back courtesy of Jack Grealish. Later, Vladimir Coufal's own goal brought City to level. Table-toppers City have extended a four-point lead over Liverpool.
How did the match pan out?
Bowen ghosted Ederson Moraes to slot home in the 24th minute. He then sneaked past City's defense to up the lead. In the second half, Grealish scored his maiden away goal for City. Coufal then headed an own-goal for West Ham. Later, Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty. As per Squawka, it was his first miss in PL since October 2018 (against Liverpool).
Why does this story matter?
City are inching close to pocketing their sixth Premier League title. They can't afford to fall short against Villa, given Liverpool could manage wins in the next two fixtures. The Reds would be raring for this scenario to pop up. However, they would be denied the title if they lose to Southampton on Wednesday. The race for the coveted title is still alive.
Manchester City top the standings
Manchester City top the Premier League 2021/22 standings. Having played 37 games, City have notched 28 wins, six draws, and three losses (96 points). They have scored 96 goals, besides conceding 24. Liverpool are placed second, having won 26, drawn 8, and losing twice. They have 86 points from 36 games. They have scored 89 goals, besides conceding 24.
Sensational Bowen scripts these records
As per Opta, Bowen has scored the second-most goals among Englishmen across competitions in Premier League this season (17). Tottenham's Harry Kane tops the chart, having netted 26 goals so far. Bowen is only the fourth West Ham payer to score 10+ home goals in a single Premier League campaign after Tony Cottee (1994-95), John Harston (1997-98), and Paolo Di Canio (1999-00).
Bowen ups his Premier League tally
In PL 21/22, Bowen has netted 12 goals and has been involved in 12 assists. Across all competitions, he has forced 18 goals and racked up 13 assists. Overall, he has made 93 appearances for the Hammers in PL (21 goals, 21 assists).
A look at the records scripted by Man City
As per Opta, Manchester City have trailed by two-plus goals at halftime on 52 occasions in the Premier League. However, they have never come back to win any of those (51 losses, 1 draw). As per Squawka, City have failed to win only three of the last 15 PL away games. They were a penalty save away from pocketing three points in these games.
A look at the other results from Matchday 37
Tottenham beat Burnley 1-0. 2015-16 PL winners, Leicester City, hammered Watford 5-1. Leeds United-Brighton, Wolves-Norwich City, and Aston Villa-Crystal Palace ended in a 1-1 tie. Meanwhile, Brentford handed a 3-2 defeat to Everton.
