Manchester City Vs. West Ham United: City Earn Nervy 2-1 Win

Manchester City extended their lead over Tottenham Hotspur in the race for fourth place by beating West Ham United 2-1 at home, although the victory was far, far closer than it needed to be. The hosts raced out to an early lead thanks to a long-range effort from Nigel de Jong, and doubled their leader five minutes lated when Lars Jacobsen smashed a cross from Pablo Zabeleta into his own net. When Matthew Upson hobbled off shortly thereafter, it looked like game over for the Hammers.

Demba Ba's excellent finish after the ball bounced off Joleon Lescott in the penalty area gave them hope, however, and it seemed to rattle City, who spent much of the remainder of the game on the back foot. It was their own play, more than the visitors, which caused stress, however - they were simply unable to put the ball in the back of the net in the second half. Mario Balotelli floated in a shot which had the beating of Robert Green but not the crossbar before David Silva somehow failed to convert a one on one with Green moments later. There was a fear that a freak West Ham equaliser would steal the points, but it never materialised and City fans could go home relieved, if not happy about the performance.

The result sees West Ham glued to the bottom of the Premier League table at 32 points, but Manchester City are looking good value for fourth - they're seven points up of fifth placed Liverpool and with a game in hand to boot.