Manchester City 2-1 West Ham: 5 Talking Points

#3 Gabriel Jesus changes the game

Gabriel Jesus has directly contributed to 13 goals this season

Manchester City went into half-time 1-0 down but when Pep Guardiola turned to the exploits of Gabriel Jesus in the second half, the game flipped on its head. The Brazilian came on at the start of the second half and instantly aided City’s play in the final third. In the first half, the Skyblues were lacking incision and creativity, all things Jesus brings to the team.

Gabriel’s movement in the box couldn’t help but destabilise West Ham’s low-block. As Fabian Delph mentioned in his post-match interview, it’s hard to play against a team that puts every single man behind the ball. Jesus combatted that tactic as his movement pulled players out of position, thus creating space for his teammates.

It was the 20-year-old’s livewire antics that led to City’s equaliser, as he squared the ball across for an outstretched Nicolas Otamendi. In his 45-minute cameo, Jesus completed 2 successful take-ons, created 1 chance, completed 16 passes, had 3 shots on goal and assisted one goal.

He showed the boss why he should never be starting games on the bench.