There was a major upset on the weekend as reigning Premier League champions Manchester City slumped to a defeat at Upton Park against West Ham. City had gone into the game with a good record away at the Hammers and trading as strong favourites to book the victory. But they slipped to a 2-1 defeat, capping a rough week for them. During midweek, they had only managed a draw against CKSA Moscow in the Champions League after blowing a two goal lead in the game. That result left their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage, hanging by a very thin thread.
With the loss at Upton Park, City have now slipped down to third in the Premier League, five points adrift of Chelsea who head to Old Trafford to play Manchester United on Sunday. City have drifted out to 4/1 at online bookmaker William Hill to get their hands on the title again. Manuel Pellegrini and City fans, will be hoping that their greatest rivals, Manchester United can do them a favour and beat the Blues.
Manchester City had created enough opportunities in their game in east London to pick up all three points, but there were uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal. West Ham struck with a goal in each half from Morgan Amalfitano and Diafra Sakho, and the Hammers managed to hold on to land the 11-2 upset. David Silva got a goal back for City late on, but City fell short and Pellegrini is at 6-5 not to start next season in the Man City hotseat. He can be backed at 8-13 with William Hill to stay with the Citizens.
Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea are now 2-5 to win the Premier League, and they have the potential to get much shorter should they triumph at United.
Manchester City’s defeat at West Ham saw Southampton take their chance to move up into second place. Ronald Koeman’s Saints moved up after taking three points against Stoke at St Mary’s thanks to a lone strike from Sadio Mane. They are leading the pack in the chase to catch Chelsea, and the Saints can be backed at 11/2 to land a top four finish this season, with Liverpool drifting out to 5/4 after they could only manage a goalless draw at Anfield against Hull, with Mario Balotelli again failing to make an impact in front of goal.
