Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over West Ham United may have ended their streak of inconsistent results, but manager Pep Guardiola remains cautious about celebrating a return to form. The win marked City’s first back-to-back victories since October and their first four-goal Premier League match since August. Star striker Erling Haaland shone with a league double—his first since September—bringing relief to fans and players alike. However, Guardiola dismissed suggestions that the team is back to its dominant best. Speaking after the game, the Spaniard expressed satisfaction with the result but was firm in his assessment that City has not reached the standards they maintained in previous seasons. "Our performance is not at the level it has been in past years," he stated. Though currently sixth in the league, just three points behind third-placed Nottingham Forest, Guardiola stressed that the team has a long way to go to regain their former glory. While the victory offers a glimmer of hope, it also highlights the ongoing challenges for the reigning champions.

Despite his critical assessment, Guardiola acknowledged the positives from the match and lauded the contributions of young talents like Savinho. The 20-year-old Brazilian winger, who joined City last summer for £30 million, demonstrated flashes of brilliance against West Ham. His direct runs and precise crosses caused problems for the opposition, leading to a Coufal own goal and assisting Haaland’s second strike. Guardiola praised Savinho’s potential, describing his style as reminiscent of vintage football with natural wing play. However, he also pointed out areas for improvement, noting that the youngster lacks aggression and needs to strengthen his off-ball game. Guardiola’s demanding nature has been a hallmark of his managerial career, driving City’s success over the years. Yet, the recent months of inconsistency have forced introspection within the squad. While victories like the one against West Ham are encouraging, Guardiola made it clear that consistent excellence is the benchmark for Manchester City, not occasional standout performances.

On the other side, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui faced scrutiny after his side’s second consecutive heavy defeat, following a 5-0 loss to Liverpool. Lopetegui admitted that the match against City was difficult to explain, as his team failed to capitalize on clear opportunities and suffered from defensive lapses. The injury to £34 million defender Jean-Clair Todibo early in the second half compounded their troubles, leaving the team vulnerable. While the loss keeps West Ham in 13th place, Lopetegui emphasized the differences between this match and their previous defeat, suggesting his team showed more resilience despite the result. However, he remains concerned about Todibo’s injury and the broader implications for his squad’s performance. Guardiola’s assessment of his team’s progress and Lopetegui’s struggles reflect two sides of the Premier League’s demanding environment. For City, the journey back to their best will require more than occasional brilliance, while West Ham must address their inconsistencies to climb out of the lower half of the table. Both teams leave the match with lessons to learn as they prepare for the challenges ahead.