Ruben Dias gets his first Man City goal as winning run extends to 20 games

Manchester City made it 20 wins in a row as centre-backs Ruben Dias and John Stones scored in a 2-1 win over West Ham – but they had to work for it.

City went into the game on a 19-match winning streak, and their confidence was boosted further by the return to the starting lineup of all-time record goalscorer Sergio Aguero.

But it was West Ham who had the first decent chance of the game. Ederson had to thwart Michail Antonio after Tomas Soucek had set up the striker with a looping header back across goal.

Instead, City took the lead around the half-hour mark. Kevin De Bruyne whipped in an excellent, left-footed cross, with defenders Dias and Stones still in the box after a corner.

Dias connected with his head and directed the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Darren Randolph to bring up his first City goal.

Moments later, Randolph had to rush off his line to prevent Riyad Mahrez latching onto a through ball from Kyle Walker, which could have led to a chance to instantly double the lead.

West Ham went close at the other end when Antonio skimmed the outside of the post with a shot after a cross from Jesse Lingard.

City backline breached, but bounce back

It seemed like a missed chance that the Hammers would come to regret. But they actually managed to equalise instead just before the break.

A neat move that came down the right flank cut through the City defence, ending up with Lingard. The Manchester United loanee shot towards the far corner, with Antonio stretching out a leg and diverting it in.

It brought an end to City’s remarkable record of not conceding a goal at home in 2021. It was no less than West Ham deserved.

However, City regained the advantage in the 68th minute – this time through their other centre-back.

Mahrez drove into the box before setting up Stones with a pass along the floor. The defender produced a striker’s finish to restore City’s lead.

West Ham had been well in the game up until that point, but were unable to strike back again. Issa Diop had a big chance in added time, but headed the ball wide. Hence, City’s extraordinary winning run continued.

David Moyes’ side remain the top four, but would be overtaken if Chelsea beat Manchester United on Sunday. City will also be keeping a close eye on that game, as they currently have a 13-point lead over their nearest challengers United.