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Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes suffered a setback after they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham at the London Stadium, leaving them nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

The result also lifted West Ham out of the relegation zone for the first time since December.

Early goals change the game

The match burst into life in the 31st minute when Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City.

The captain carried the ball into the box from the left and chipped it toward the far post, beating West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.

Whether Silva intended to find striker Erling Haaland or score directly, the effort gave City the lead and seemed to set up a routine victory.

Man City dealt title blow in 1-1 draw against West Ham
Manchester City dealt title blow in draw vs West Ham – Getty image

However, West Ham responded immediately. Just four minutes later, Konstantinos Mavropanos rose to meet a Jarrod Bowen corner, heading past Donnarumma to equalise.

The former Arsenal defender’s goal was his first in three years and a critical intervention that shifted momentum toward the hosts.

City struggle to break down resistance

The remainder of the match saw City struggle to create clear chances. Erling Haaland was denied by Hermansen in a one-on-one before West Ham survived a late flurry of pressure.

Substitute Rayan Cherki struck the crossbar with a free-kick, and Marc Guehi narrowly missed in stoppage time, leaving City frustrated.

Despite controlling possession, Pep Guardiola’s side  low on confidence following their 3-0 midweek defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Arsenal, in contrast, extended their advantage at the top, while West Ham’s draw lifted them to safety, pushing Nottingham Forest into the bottom three.



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