When the Mexican left, the match was tied, then the winning goals for Pep Guardiola's team came.
Edson Álvarez was one of the best players for West Ham in the defeat against Manchester City; however, the Mexican midfielder left the game with physical discomfort in the 68th minute and missed the ending of a match that ended in a one-goal draw.
The 'Machín' was attentive at all times in the midfield for the Hammers and didn't allow much progress for Rodri, Bernardo, and Haaland, as the City found the best scoring opportunities through the wings and not through the center.
Álvarez, who positioned himself as a third center-back in the defensive phase, was solid in his marking and rejected everything that came close to Alphonse Areola's goal, who had a good afternoon and was key in preventing the City from scoring more goals at the London Stadium.
Edson Álvarez fell to the ground after an hour of play and touched the back of his thighs, so David Moyes didn't hesitate and gave the Mexican a rest, who had recently returned from his activity with the Mexican National Team.
The long journey and the intensity of the games with the Tricolor took a toll on Jiménez, who couldn't continue in the match against the Citizens and left the field to applause, as the Hammers' fans thanked him for his dedication and courage in one of the toughest matches of the season.
Edson made way for Saïd Benrahma and was also booked minutes before. Despite everything, the injury doesn't seem serious and he could be in good shape for the next commitment of the Hammers.
No one can find a way to stop Manchester City. West Ham, surrendering the ball, compacting their lines in a small area on their own field, causing damage with their direct play and counterattacks, felt at times like they could score points. In the second half, when Pep Guardiola's team showed finishing accuracy, they turned the match around with an authority that intimidates any of their rivals.
Guardiola invented the substitute for the injured De Bruyne with a new position for Julián Álvarez. Further away from the area but responding with personality to the team's needs. Appearing in dangerous plays, providing goal assists, and shining despite reducing his number of chances.
It was the clash between Champions League winners, the 'Champions' against the 'Conference', which turned into a test of City's patience. With ball possessions of up to 75%. Overwhelming. A typical script in their matches altered this time by an unexpected goal. They had wasted up to five chances after a corner kick. Header by Rodri, shot by Foden, Haaland's shot, another shot by Rodri. The reflex saves by Areola and Soucek, decisive in goal, prevented the first goal.
Foden provided mobility against West Ham's defensive structure, and Jeremy Doku provided the width, always ready to take on and go past defenders. A constant agitator in the game. Haaland found it more difficult than ever to score. Despite always looking for a goal in the exact area where a striker should be. He missed the first chance at the far post.
A surviving West Ham, against the defensive framework of the City, provided mobility through the Brazilian connection of Emerson-Paquetá, who came close to scoring with a corner kick that almost became a Bowen overhead kick until Ward-Prowse, of course, appeared to score his third goal of the season, in which he has already provided four assists. Diving in with a header, he punished a defensive imbalance from Doku with poor balance from the City. It was the 36th minute, a lot of game ahead.