| Pablo Zabaleta was the first player to score an own goal against a side he has previously played for in the Premier League since Jonjo Shelvey against Liverpool in December 2014 |
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed the “incredible” numbers produced by his side as they reached 100 Premier League goals for the season with a 4-1 win at struggling West Ham.
The champions’ emphatic victory at London Stadium left the Hammers in a precarious position above the relegation zone.
“The numbers are a consequence of what we have done,” Guardiola said.
“We are so happy to be getting close to history. We will try to surpass the number of goals and points.
“We wanted to win today so that we can get the record of 96 points at home when we get the trophy in front of our people next week.”
City – who are now on 93 points – took the lead when Leroy Sane’s shot deflected off the head of Patrice Evra and wrong-footed Hammers goalkeeper Adrian.
A series of West Ham defensive mishaps culminated in a Pablo Zabaleta own goal which gave City a two-goal advantage and saw them reach the landmark century.
Aaron Cresswell gave the Hammers a foothold in the game shortly before the break when he curled home a free-kick inside Ederson’s near post.
However, inspired by a brilliant performance from Raheem Sterling, City reasserted their control of the contest early in the second half.
Having earlier teed up Sane, Sterling claimed a hat-trick of assists after the break when he set up Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho to finish clinically from inside the box.
West Ham are three points clear of 18th-placed Southampton, who occupy the final relegation place.