Manchester City’s commanding 3-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday night extended their winning streak to seven consecutive Premier League matches, moving them within striking distance of Arsenal at the top of the table. But beyond the scoreline and the three points, the performance revealed five crucial truths about where Guardiola’s side currently stands- and where they’re heading.
1. Haaland’s Insatiable Hunger Can’t Be Taught
Erling Haaland scored twice and provided an assist, but it was his demeanour after the 80th minute that truly captured attention. With City comfortably leading 3-0 at home, the Norwegian was visibly frustrated and desperate for his hat-trick, gesturing at teammates as his body language screamed for more service. That hunger, that relentless desire to score even when the match is won, separates good strikers from generational ones.
Haaland doesn’t seem capable of stopping right now, though surely he’ll slow down eventually; even machines need maintenance. But watching him play, it’s clear he’s genuinely enjoying his football. The instinct, the positioning, the finishing- he’s a born goalscorer who’s somehow still getting better with time. You can’t teach that mentality. It’s innate, primal, and it’s why City’s title challenge looks increasingly credible.
2. Cherki: The Orchestrator City Didn’t Know They Needed
Rayan Cherki is fundamentally changing how Manchester City plays football. His sublime touches, tricky feet, and exceptional passing vision have introduced a flair element previously absent from Guardiola’s systematic approach. More fascinatingly, his influence is spreading throughout the squad- Phil Foden, Nico O’Reilly, and Tijjani Reijnders are attempting shorter, more creative passes with confidence they didn’t show earlier this season.
Fans are visibly enjoying his time on the ball, that rare combination of entertainment and effectiveness. Guardiola, characteristically, is managing Cherki’s development carefully- keeping his confidence high through praise while tempering expectations with constructive criticism. The balance is crucial: let him express himself while ensuring he continues improving and improvising within City’s tactical framework. Early evidence suggests it’s working perfectly.
3. Ruben Dias: The Leader City Always Needed
Ruben Dias is maturing into the complete defensive leader Manchester City requires. As one of the team’s active captains and vice-captain to Bernardo Silva, his leadership qualities- evident since his Benfica days- are now commanding City’s backline with authority and example.
His recent goalscoring contribution is particularly noteworthy: two goals in the last six matches address a long-standing deficiency in his game. But it’s his defensive work that truly matters. His communication with Matheus Nunes, Donnaruma and Joško Gvardiol regarding the high defensive line is exceptional, ensuring City can press aggressively without being exposed on transitions. That understanding, that vocal leadership, is why he remains Guardiola’s chief defensive organiser even in a squad full of talent.
4. Nunes: From “No Brain” to First-Choice Right-Back
Matheus Nunes’ transformation represents one of the season’s most remarkable redemption stories. Guardiola once infamously suggested Nunes “doesn’t have the brain to play in midfield”- brutal words that could have destroyed confidence. Instead, Nunes reinvented himself as City’s first-choice right-back and occasional midfield deputy to Nico González, showing tremendous adaptability and mental strength.
Statistically, Nunes ranks number one among Premier League right-backs across multiple metrics, and his performances justify that standing. His forward runs, interception timing, ball retention- everything has improved dramatically. His late runs crashing into opposition boxes provide crucial attacking width, especially when Cherki cuts inside centrally. Those overlapping movements create numerical advantages City exploit ruthlessly. It’s a position-specific masterclass in tactical evolution.
5. City Are Sailing in the Right Direction- Finally
Manchester City aren’t yet operating at the relentless standards that defined their quadruple-winning peak, but the trajectory is unmistakably positive. Set pieces, a glaring weakness earlier this season, finally look threatening. The defensive line has rediscovered the sharpness and cohesion that was alarmingly absent during autumn struggles. The attacking quartet of Foden, Cherki, Haaland, and Jeremy Doku is developing an understanding that improves with every passing game.
Seven consecutive Premier League victories represent more than just results; they signal momentum, confidence, and tactical clarity. The only sector remaining fragile is midfield. Rodri’s absence continues to affect defensive stability and ball progression. Bernardo Silva, despite his technical brilliance, lacks the physical presence required against aggressive opponents. Reijnders is still finding his feet in English football’s intensity.
But even acknowledging that vulnerability, City look increasingly like genuine title contenders rather than hopeful challengers. Arsenal’s lead is shrinking, and Guardiola’s side is hitting form precisely when it matters most. If the midfield solidifies, whether through Rodri’s return or Reijnders’ adaptation- City might just produce another of their trademark late-season surges.
For now, the boat is sailing smoothly. Whether it reaches the destination depends on navigating the choppy waters ahead without hitting the rocks that sank their early-season hopes.
