Nuno admits early goal shattered West Ham’s carefully prepared game plan

West Ham spent much of the afternoon chasing shadows as Manchester City underlined their title credentials at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo to reflect on another damaging defeat for a side still searching for stability.

There had been signs of greater organisation and discipline since the Portuguese coach took charge following Graham Potter’s departure in early October. Yet familiar problems have resurfaced at decisive moments. A late equaliser conceded against Brighton and a 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa, despite leading twice, had already stalled momentum before this daunting trip to Manchester.

Any hopes of springing a surprise were swiftly extinguished. City needed just five minutes to assert control, Erling Haaland finishing clinically to expose West Ham’s fragile start. The hosts dominated possession and territory thereafter, and Tijjani Reijnders’ goal shortly before the interval felt like a fair reflection of their authority. At that stage, the visitors appeared fortunate the scoreline was not heavier.

There was, at least, a response after the break. Crysencio Summerville injected urgency and forced several saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had enjoyed a quiet first half. West Ham briefly carried a threat and looked more coherent in their pressing, but another costly error proved fatal. Haaland pounced to claim his second of the afternoon and put the contest beyond doubt, condemning the Hammers to another defeat that leaves them rooted in the relegation zone.

After the match, Espirito Santo was frank in his assessment of where it went wrong.

“It breaks the plan, the way we want to do things to concede so early makes things really hard.

“First half not good. Much better the way we started the second half. We had some good chances. Overall, better second half, more composed, more organised, pressing better and creating some problems.

“We had good situations inside 10 minutes that could turn the game around. First half was something we have to look at and improve.

“We try to have a game plan, the way we want to do things, and improve our team. It’s difficult to control and contain Manchester City. It’s not the moment to judge, but at the same time, we have to realise that we need to be much better.

“Very important period these four games during Christmas – important to recover well.”

With a gruelling festive schedule ahead, West Ham’s margin for error continues to shrink.