Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola celebrated a much-needed 4-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday but maintained that his team still has room to improve. The win at the Etihad Stadium marked the first time City has secured consecutive victories in the league since October.
Erling Haaland, returning to form, netted twice, while Brazilian winger Savinho contributed three assists and forced an own goal from Vladimir Coufal. Despite the dominant display, City remains sixth in the Premier League table, two points adrift of Chelsea in fourth.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola dismissed claims that City had regained its peak form, emphasizing that the team still has a long way to go to match its previous standards.
QUOTES:
Guardiola was candid in his post-match assessment:
“No, you judge the results,” he told reporters. “We saw in many years our level. We are not at our level.
“Don’t misunderstand me. I’m so happy. I will sleep better until the FA Cup (on January 11). But you watched the games for years—we’re not at the level, come on. Against Everton we played much better than today. And we draw—big crisis, disaster.
“Of course there are positives. If you ask me if the team is playing like in the years before—of course not.”
Kevin De Bruyne, who played the full 90 minutes in a positive development for his fitness, was equally straightforward about his performance and future at the club.
“I don’t care,” the Belgian midfielder told the BBC when asked about his contract, which expires in June. “I am just trying to get back to my level. I feel every week I am getting better. I can go for 90 minutes now. It has been an uncomfortable couple of months with the injury.”
Guardiola also offered a mixed review of Savinho, who played a crucial role in the victory:
“He’s clean in his mind. He doesn’t think nothing in his head in the past,” Guardiola said. “Normally many years here, the players think they deserve something special for what they have done. Big mistake.
“(But) Savio has to do everything to win. Having a left foot on the left side, old-fashioned vintage football. Has a lot to improve, not aggressive enough without the ball, a little soft in many departments. Right now has something special for the team. I’m so happy for him and he deserves to play.”
RECALL:
City’s slump this season has been uncharacteristic under Guardiola, who has set high standards during his tenure. The team’s struggle for consistency has coincided with injuries to key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, whose return to form remains crucial for City’s aspirations this season.
Haaland’s brace was his first league double since September, a sign that the Norwegian striker is also finding his rhythm again. Meanwhile, Savinho, who joined City this season, continues to show promise but will need to address weaknesses highlighted by his manager.
CITATIONS:
This report is based on the information from:
- Pep Guardiola’s post-match comments were shared during the press conference.
- Kevin De Bruyne spoke to the BBC after the game.
- Statistics and match details provided by Premier League records.
KEEP IN MIND:
While City’s back-to-back wins are encouraging, the team is still far from the dominant force it once was. Guardiola’s focus on gradual improvement and player development reflects his commitment to long-term success rather than short-term fixes.
