Overcoming West Brom, Man City puts one foot in the top 4

Defeating the tough opponent West Brom with a score of 3-1 helped Man City only one point away from the official position in the top 4.

Jesus and De Bruyne helped Man City decide the match early. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Jesus (27'), De Bruyne (29'), Toure (57') - Robson-Kanu (87').

Man City had no trouble hosting West Brom at the Etihad Stadium. The home team scored two consecutive goals in just three minutes from 27 to 29 to create a big advantage after the first half.

Kevin de Bruyne made his mark on both goals. The Belgian midfielder met Aguero's backheel before breaking into the box and crossing for Gabriel Jesus to easily open the scoring. In the second goal, De Bruyne showed his excellent finishing ability with a long-range shot after the ball bounced out of the box.

Man City ended West Brom's hopes of a point early in the second half thanks to Yaya Toure's strike. This could be the Ivorian's last goal for Man City after reports that he is on Guardiola's list of players to leave this summer.

Hal Robson-Kanu's late equaliser was a consolation goal for West Brom, but the defeat did not have much of an impact on Tony Pulis' side as they remained ninth with 45 points.

West Brom's midfield failed to demonstrate its ability to block from a distance. Photo: Reuters.

In contrast to West Brom, the result of the match has brought Man City to third place and very close to a place in the Champions League next season. Coach Pep Guardiola's team has 75 points, three points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal. Just a draw at Watford in the final round will ensure Man City finishes the season in the top 4. In case of victory, the team will keep third place and go straight to the Champions League group stage.

Even if they lose to Watford, Man City still have hope because their goal difference is much better than Arsenal's (36 compared to 31). In the final round, Arsenal will host Everton at home and the possibility of winning big against this tough opponent is not high.

The victory over West Brom was all the more significant as it was City's final game at the Etihad Stadium this season. The home fans got the chance to bid farewell to veterans, including defender Zabaleta. After nine years at City and winning every domestic trophy, the Argentine right-back will leave at the end of the season. His destination could be fellow Premier League side West Ham.

Along with Zabaleta, Yaya Toure and goalkeeper Willy Caballero could also be playing their last game at the Etihad. Guardiola's list of players to be sold this summer could stretch to more than 10, most of whom are players who are on the decline of their careers.

With impressive performances from young players like De Bruyne, Leroy Sane and Jesus, Guardiola is showing that he has reasons to make a major reform at Man City.

According to VNE