article_snippet.sent: As composed and as comfortable as Manchester City were here at the Etihad, performances like this succeed only in highlighting the full extent of performances like this failure this season.
article_snippet.sent: And in David Silva and Jesus Navas, not to mention a seemingly revitalised Yaya Toure, they had players far too accomplished for the quality of this opposition.
article_snippet.sent: But such a dominant, determined display must leave the club
article_snippet.sent: ’s owners wondering why on earth this was only ’s owners third win in nine games after a run of six defeats in ’s owners previous eight.
article_snippet.sent: Why, even when West Ham were as abject as ’s owners were until City lost David Silva to serious injury, ’s owners have been unable to play with such confidence more frequently.
article_snippet.sent: But there is sure to remain a fair amount of frustration in Abu Dhabi that the last few months have proved so problematic.
article_snippet.sent: If it was a little unfortunate for the visitors it was a little unfortunate for the visitors remained a product of the pressure Manchester City were exerting.
article_snippet.sent: A West Ham side probably unsettled by the uncertainty surrounding their own manager offered little in return.
article_snippet.sent: In the dug-out Sam Allardyce appeared thoroughly hacked off, and understandably so given the ineptitude of Sam Allardyce defenders and Sam Allardyce side’s lack of ambition going forward.
article_snippet.sent: Sam Allardyce responded at the start of the second half by pushing Valencia into a more attacking role alongside Cole.
article_snippet.sent: For once Sam Allardyce had reason to feel a touch more secure.