Another title pointer? 👏

That's everything from me following a thrilling afternoon at the London Stadium.

Don't know about you but I need a lie down!!

Pep Guardiola's men mounted a stunning second half fightback from 2-0 down to West Ham to claim a deserved point in the capital

It means we are four points ahead of Liverpool who have a game in hand and travel to Southampton on Tuesday.

However if we beat Aston Villa at home next Sunday in our final game we will be champions. It's as simple as that.

It promises to be a special occasion at the Etihad.

Until then, you can check out the best stats and reaction to our West Ham draw below as well as over on mancity.com and the official Man City app.

We'll have brief highlights shortly as well as a full-match replay from midnight tonight.

As always, many thanks for your company and do join us again next Sunday when we will be playing to be champions once again!

Our full-time verdict from Wembley...

Grealish points to the positives

Hold your heads up high...

They have the desire to win the title - Guardiola 🗣

Pep's on City's character...

"They have the desire and wish to win the game and the title. That’s why we proved it at Wolves and we proved it today.

"We are going to prove to win the title, to win , especially the Premier League, not just about how good we are with the ball and this kind of thing. Of course it is important but there are other aspects too."

One more game to win - Pep 🗣

More from the boss...

"We knew we had tough games, West Ham away, exceptional performance against Wolves, we knew it - four points - and now there is no debate about goal difference, and no debate about anything.

"We just have to just to win our more game and if we don’t, Liverpool will be champions."

Next Sunday will be a great day - Grealish 🗣

Jack Grealish on next Sunday's finale v Villa

"You want to make it as easier as you can for yourselves. We have a great home record, all our fans will be behind it, it will be a great day. 

"Fingers crossed we can go and get the win."

A day of mixed emotions - Grealish 🗣

Jack Grealish's reaction:

"It was a day of mixed emotions, at the start we dominated the game. We knew they would sit in an counter attack with Antonio, it’s perfect for them to play the ball in behind, that's what they did.

At half time we would have taken a draw all day long, we recover now and have good days of training and look to win on Sunday."

A point that we gained - Pep 🗣

More from the boss:

"It was a really good game, play more than this in the first half, chances were so difficult. So happy we can come back against West ham like we did in this stadium. Antonio is so difficult to control. We scored an early goal and had a  really good second half. A point that we gained."

Pep's reaction...🗣

"Just in one week our stadium will be sold out, will give them our lives and they will give theirs. It’s an incredible privilege, after many years, incredible. To have our chance with our people."

Still time to respond

A League of its own...

Today a further reminder as if any were needed of why the Premier League is such a special and prized competition.

Every point has to be earned and fought for - nothing is given as West Ham more than proved.

That's why success feels all the more satisfying when it does come your way.

Record breakers...

Just under 50,000 fans at Wembley for today's FA Cup final... a new record attendance for the event.

Further prof of the fantastic growth of the women's game in this country.

Yes, yes... and yes!

Can't wait for it...

As if it hadn't been a nerve wracking day already!!!

HUGE goal at Wembley!!!

Elsewhere today

A busy and significant day in the Premier League.

Spurs beat Burnley 1-0 while Leeds scored a 92nd minute equaliser to draw 1-1 at home to Brighton.

Leicester were 5-1 winners at Watford while the games between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace and Wolves at home to Norwich both finished level pegging at 1-1.

Everton play host to Brentford at 4.30pm.

One last push...

This was mad - but we'll take it!!

Our official verdict on a London Stadium thriller

A week's breather

I was exhausted just watching that game so goodness knows how the players are feeling.

Key thing is we have seven days now to rest, recuperate and prepare for a huge Etihad finale against Aston Villa.

Jack's the lad...

Update from Wembley...

Over at Wembley City are 2-1 behind with Cuthbert having scored for the Londoners on 63 minutes.

Come on, City!!

That will do for me!!

Title permutations

All that means we will be champions if we beat Aston Villa next Sunday  irrespective of what Liverpool do.

And of course if the Anfield side lose at Southampton that would seal the title.

Great position to be in...

Wonderful moment

Pep Guardiola embraces Mark Noble to congratulate the West Ham on a superb career.

Respect to the very end - what football is all about

Full time

What. A. Game

Added time

Four minutes of injury time

One last twist?

This game has had everything - bit is there one last twist in the tale?

Not sure my nerves could take it to be fair

Speechless

I don not believe what I'm seeing.

Great save to be fair but you would put your mortgage on Riyad converting that.

Mahrez to take!!!

PENALTY!!!!

Taylor awards the spot kick!!!

Penalty shout

Jesus powers past Dawson in the box and tumbles to the floor.

Ref Anthony Taylor says no but VAR is looking

Ten minute warning

Right folks we are into the last 10 minutes.

How is everyone holding up?

Almost

More brilliance and desire from Grealish as he weaves his way into the Hammers box and sees a shot deflected for a corner.

He hasn't taken a backward step all afternoon.

Premier passion

This game has been the Premier League at its finest.

An absolutely incredible spectacle.

Phew

OMG.

Bowen almost has a hat-trick.

He latches onto a Soucek flick and drives in a close range shot which hits Laporte and goes behind.

But for that it would have gone in.

Mad game.

Close

Rodri tries his luck from long range with a sweetly struck shot which Fabianski gathers.

Action stations

Now Fabianski flaps at the ball as De Bruyne hooks it into the heart of the box.

What a game this has turned into.

City fans making all the noise

One more push lads

21 minutes to go - nothing to suggest we can't go on and win this.

Level best

Mahrez unleashed a curling free kick into the heart of the box, Coufal with no one near him headed back and the ball flew past Fabianski into the corner of the net.

What a team, what a game!!

Keep it going lads!

From David Clayton at the London Stadium:

City have started this half like a different team from the first 45. More urgency, the passes are quicker and we could be ahead but for two scrambled clearances – we just need to keep it going and try and keep the crowd quiet. Referee  Anthony Taylor is having an excellent game.

Fabianski booked

The West Ham keeper is booked for time wasting and then Bowen almost gets in for his hat trick as he latches onto a misplaced Zinchenko pass.

Fortunately the Hammers striker hits the side netting.

Phew.

Level pegging at Wembley

Update from George Kelsey at Wembley:

City are level here at Wembley, and it's a beauty from Lauren Hemp! The winger receives possession from Bunny Shaw out on the left, cuts inside Mille Bright and curls a sumptuous effort into the far corner, leaving Ann-Katrin Berger with absolutely no chance. Game on as half-time approaches! 

Close

De Bruyne lefts fly from 20 yards with a dipping curling effort but it just over the bar.

Under siege

West Ham are under the pump here. It's been all City this half and now we have a free kick on the edge of the area after Coufal brings down De Bruyne.

Seconds please!

What a difference a goal makes.

Weird game football. The game has been transformed by that Grealish goal - and it arrived at the perfect time.

Now we just need another!

Head boy

Now Grealish sends a header wide as he meets a De Bruyne cross.

Its been all City so far this half.

Chelsea lead

Update from George Kelsey at Wembley:

A setback for City with half-time approaching as Chelsea take the lead. Millie Bright floated a ball into the far post which evaded everyone and goes in off the post. Plenty of time for Gareth Taylor's side to turn things around!

Jack's the lad

Form the corner the ball is reworked and Rodri's downward header is met by Grealish who hits a half volley from 15 yards into the net.

Big goal, and at the perfect time

Almost

Mahrez gets a moment of space on the right wing and his cross is deflected for a corner.

As you were

No changes from either side at the break

Second half

We are back underway at the London Stadium.

Huge 45 minutes ahead - COME ON, CITY...

City look for that magic spark

David Clayton's half-time verdict:

A miserable 45 minutes for City and that second goal felt like a hammer blow. We never really got going and too many of our players are having a quiet afternoon.

Main thing is we don’t ship anymore goals, but the momentum is with the home side.

Phil Foden is the sort of player who can help turn this around – we need something to spark us.

Bench press

Worth remembering there are plenty of options on the bench such as Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling.

All to play for at Wembley...

Update from George Kelsey at Wembley:

"There's been chances at both ends, but still goalless here at Wembley. City could have gone ahead inside the first ten minutes but Caroline Weir's snapshot was a little too high to trouble the Chelsea net, before Emma Hayes' side were thankful to Millie Bright for two brilliant blocks to deny Lauren Hemp and Weir once again.

"At the other end, Sam Kerr had the ball in the net but her celebrations were cut short by the offside flag. Still all to play for! "

James - time for Phil Foden

David James' half-time take...

"We need to move between the lines, once people begin moving it starts problems for the opposition.

"The player who I think does that best is Phil Foden, but he’s not on the pitch. I’d like to see Foden come on for the second half."

We have to be more clinical - Sinclair

Trevor Sinclair's half-time verdict:

"We’ve had a lot of possession and created good situations. But we’ve not hit the target, we have to be more clinical in them phases.

"We said before the game about Bowen and he’s played on the last man, we’ve not tracked him or caught him offside."
 

Question time

This City side never cease to surprise you but this is a big mountain to climb

 West Ham have made life difficult for us and struck twice on the break.

City have probed and harried but we haven't really created a clear cut opening.

Plenty of time still to go but an early second half goal would be huge.

Half time

A tough first 45 minutes.

Time to regroup and refocus.

Double trouble

Nightmare.

A long goal kick by Fabianski, Antonio nods on and Bowen runs on before drilling a low shot from the edge of the area past Ederson and into the net.

Not what we wanted at all.

Not this time

De Bruyne steps up and curls in a low shot from the set piece but its straight at Fabianski who gathers easily

City free kick

Soufal brings Grealish down on the left edge of the box.

Good position for us.

Ouch

Now Jesus goes down under a challenge from Dawson.

The hosts have been physical and abrasive in their approach.

Close!!

City come again and another effort from Jesus is blocked before an almighty scramble almost sees up carve out another opening.

Zinchenko then sees a low left foot drive whistle wide.

West Ham happy to pack bodies behind the ball and attack on the break -  can we find a way through?

Almost...

De Bruyne almost picks out Rodri with a low ball from the right before a late block diverts the pass.

City rebuilding the pressure - a goal before half time would be huge.

Let's ride the storm

David Clayton at the London Stadium:

The noise here is deafening as the Hammers go ahead - this is turning out to be just as difficult as we all thought it probably would be. We've not been at our best so far but we'll need to ride out this storm. Plenty of time left.

Up for the Cup

Update from George Kelsey at Wembley:

"Hello from Wembley! A brilliant atmosphere for the Women's FA Cup final, with a record crowd of over 50,000 expected.

Both teams are aiming to complete a domestic double with victory this afternoon, and it's anyone's guess who will be taking the trophy home. Chelsea get the game under way... COME ON, CITY! 

Keep the faith

The rain at the London Stadium matches the mood right now.

West Ham just checking our best intentions at the moment and are building momentum going forward

Just need to ride this storm out.

Time to regroup

Didn't see that coming but West Ham have that in them.

We need to refocus, dust ourselves down and above all keep clam. Still a long way to go in this.

Out of nowhere

Bowen gathers a long ball over the top of the City defence.

He comes inside Zinchenko and then rounds Ederson before netting from a tight angle on the left edge of the box.

Fine finish but a goal out of nowhere.

Close!!

Our best moment so far!

Rodri intercepts the ball on the edge of the box, he drives forward and lets fly but Dawson deflects the shot and it goes behind for a corner.

Powerhouse

Antonio causes havoc as he charges forward and into the City box, it takes a concentrated effort from three City defenders to snuff out the danger.

A reminder of the threat of the West Ham forward.

Just seen a replay of that Jesus incident - looked to me as if he was caught by Zouma but nothing doing in terms of penalty of VAR check.

Sweet 16

A massive round of applause on 16 minutes for Mark Noble in recognition of his shirt number.

Ouch

Now Gabriel Jesus takes a whack from Zouma in the area as he chases a high ball.

City build again and after De Bruyne whips in a powerful cross Fabianski fumbles but as Grealish runs in the City man is penalised

Patience is key...

From David Clayton at the London Stadium

Not sure Aymeric Laporte taking the assistant referee out was a good idea!

Lively atmosphere as expected and the home fans and players are definitely up for this, but our possession game is starting to dampen that early enthusiasm a little. Patience the key this afternoon… 

Game of patience

Virtually all of the play has been in the West Ham half so far bar that Dawson header.

West Hamm massing bodies behind the ball. Patience could be key for City

Ouch

Laporte accidentally catches one of the linesman but all us well after a brief interlude.

Too long

Rodri fizzes in a long range pass aiming to find the onrushing Mahrez but it is a tad too strong and goes out of play.

80 per cent possession stats for City so far.

Arghh

It looked like we were building a fine attack there before Grealish just runs out of space on the left wing as he looks to tease in a cross.

Encouraging early signs from City though and our fans are already in great voice.

KICK-OFF

We are underway at the London Stadium.

COME ON, CITY!!!  

💙

Almost good to go

We're nearly ready for kick-off at the London Stadium.

Huge game - let's do this Blues...

Noble gesture

It's an emotional day for Hammers veteran Mark Noble who is making his last appearance on home soil, starting on the bench, after a distinguished career spanning 18 seasons at West Ham.

He has just been afforded a huge reception from the home fans as the teams enter the field.

A quick reminder of how we line up this afternoon...

A big hand...

Bubbling under at West Ham...

David Clayton at the London Stadium:

"It's going to be a full house this afternoon. The 3,000 or City fans are to my right and the noise continues to blast out of the speakers.

"Our players have just finished their warm-up and kick-off is not far away. I’m trying to stay calm but it’s not easy with so much at stake. Plus, there are bubbles everywhere!"

Stat attack (part three)

 🔹 Kevin De Bruyne has scored an unrivalled 57 Premier League career goals without any of them being headers.

 🔹 Raheem Sterling has been involved in 14 goals in 16 league games against West Ham (eight goals, six assists), more than he has versus any other side. Nine of these have come in five appearances at the London Stadium, with four goals and five assists.

Lanzini a threat to City - James 🗣

David James on today's opponents:

"West Ham have had a fantastic season. Antonio hasn’t necessarily been the focal point but he’s been heavily involved. One player I’m concerned about is Lanzini.

"His probing runs, if there’s any issues there, then City will have problems dealing with him. I’m also thinking of Ederson, he’s after the Golden Glove against Alisson."

150 up for Rodrigo

It's also a landmark day for Rodrigo this afternoon as he prepares to make his 150th appearance for City.

I think it's fair to say the Spanish midfielder has gone from strength to strength in his three years at the Club and he has been superb again this term.

Keep calm and keep the faith!!!

'We just dominate possession away from home - Sinclair 🗣

Trevor Sinclair's on City superb away form this season:

"We just dominate possession. Teams at home want to get forward and be on the front foot. We don’t allow them to do that.

"At times they probably try to play too offensive against City. As a home team against City you need to almost play like an away side.

"The rotation in the players also makes it difficult for the opposition and their staff to know how we’re going to set up."
 

Here's how we line up for today's Women's FA Cup final!

Points not goals are key for Pep!

Sign him up for Eurovision!!

250 up for Bernardo!!

David James on a landmark day for Bernardo Silva:

"250 appearances already?! I was watching him in the Under-21 Euros thinking this lad is decent! He gives it absolutely everything.

"He came as Bernardo and now he’s a part of City. I love watching when someone is following him behind him and then he twinges his hips, then the player behind him is just like an out of control caravan!"

Classic imagery from Jamo!!!
 

Zaba on today's big clash 🗣

Pablo Zabaleta knows all about City and West Ham having played for both with enormous distinction. Here's his thoughts on this afternoon's clash...

West Ham are doing well this season. It’s not going to be easy. It could be something emotional for them as it’s Mark Noble’s last home game. 

I’m sure City will get the three points. It’s good to see how the lads responded mentally after the Madrid defeat. It’s great to see the fans against Newcastle, they showed big support and got behind the team. 

That makes this club special. Hopefully, we can win the game and then win against Villa and celebrate the Premier League.

Four out of five league titles would be huge. You have to give a lot of credit to Pep and the players.

Calm before the storm...

David Clayton is our man in position at the London Stadium this afternoon:

"It’s grey and drizzly here at the London Stadium as the fans slowly trickle in. The public address system is incredibly loud, and you can barely hear yourself think!

"Huge 90 minutes ahead for our boys – if we can win, we’ll be almost there, and I don’t want to think of any other outcome!

"Before the fans came in, West Ham were running through their tribute to Mark Noble who is making his final home appearance this afternoon (should he come off the bench) before retirement.

"He’s been a fantastic club servant for the Hammers, and it looks like it will be an emotional send-off."

Grealish has been very good - Sinclair 🗣

Trevor Sinclair on the impact of Jack Grealish:

"I think he’s getting there and he’s picking up the style of playing. He’s looking more and more like a City player.

"He’s doing it, it’s just not happening in the numbers but in general he’s been very good."

Stat attack (part two) 📈

 🔹 City are the first team in English top-flight history to win five consecutive league games by a margin of at least three goals.

 🔹 Our tally of 45 away points this season is the fourth highest in Premier League history after Arsenal in 2001-02 (47), Chelsea in 2004-05 (48) and City themselves in 2017-18 (50).

 🔹 Kevin de Bruyne has eight goals and five assists in his last eight league appearances. This is his best goalscoring campaign for City in both the league (15 goals) and all competitions (19).

James on our very own special K 🗣

David James' team thoughts:

"Of course having the same back four is good defensively. However, for City, it’s all about that man KDB! If he plays like he did that day at Wolves then our defence won’t get troubled too much!"

Sinclair on City's line-up...🗣

Trevor Sinclair is happy with the presence of both Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho in our starting line-up...

"Really good news, we were concerned about the centre of defence. The fact Laporte is fit is a big boost for the lads.

"Fernandinho is reliable there too, but he could have his hands full. He and Laporte will need to communicate well to keep the Hammers out."
 

And here's how our hosts line up today...

Here's how we line up this afternoon...

Pep Guardiola makes three changes from the side that won 5-1 at Wolves on Wednesday.

Starting Eleven: Ederson, Cancelo, Laporte, Fernandinho ©, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, De Bruyne, Bernardo, Grealish, Jesus, Mahrez

Substitutes: Steffen, Aké, Sterling, Gündogan, Foden, Egan Riley, Mbete, Palmer, Lavia 

Stat attack (part one) 📈

🔹 West Ham are winless in 12 league games against Manchester City since a 2-1 away victory in September 2015.

🔹After winning our first five games against West Ham at the London Stadium in all competitions - scoring 22 goals and conceding one, City are winless in our last two visits.

🔹 This is the 100th top-flight meeting between the sides.

All around the world... 🌍

West Ham away is always so difficult - Foden 🗣

Phil Foden is in no doubt as to the tough challenge awaiting us this afternoon:

“It is such a challenging game.

"I think West Ham away is always so difficult and we have struggled there in the past as well. It is such a big challenge for us and we are going to have to be at our best to win the game.

“Anything can happen, so we just have to stay focused and keep playing the way we are playing and hopefully we can get the job done. The title is so close, but not close enough for our liking.”

No lack of incentive...

With Liverpool having not been in league action as they played in the the FA Cup final yesterday, another successful result would see us go six points clear at the top of the table.

The Anfield side have a game in hand and are set to visit Southampton on Tuesday, but at this stage in the season it's all about points in the bag.

Another huge incentive then for Pep and the lads...

SWP's thoughts on this afternoon's game...🗣

Club legend Shaun Wright-Phillips has assessed where he believes City could look to prosper this afternoon...

“Most teams, when they’re at home, don’t sit back. They try to come out and impose their game on City.

“(But) if you do that to City, they can capitalise because you are leaving the gaps there for them to exploit.

“(Craig) Dawson has been in fantastic form and likes to put his body on the line so it will be hard to get those clean shots off, but it could also create some deflections that will benefit us.

“But for me, West Ham can be quite loose in the full-back areas if (Aaron) Cresswell is not playing, so I think (City can win the game) in and around their centre-backs and full-backs.”

Magic memories

Early team news

Today’s line-ups will be released in just over 30 minutes time, but we do already have an idea of who is and isn’t available after the managers’ media briefings earlier this week.

Pep Guardiola revealed at his pre match press conference on Friday that he would make late fitness calls on Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte with the duo both having picked up knocks in our superb 5-1 win at Wolves in midweek.

John Stones, Ruben Dias and Kyle Walker are all set to be sidelined for the rest of the season.

For the hosts, Said Benrahma will be assessed ahead of the match, but Michail Antonio and Craig Dawson have been passed fit.

Angelo Ogbonna remains on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

Blue sky thinking...

Tricky customers

As Pep noted in Friday's pre-match press conference, West Ham have enjoyed another fine season.

And I vividly remember our home game with the Hammers at a snowy Etihad back in late November when they proved the toughest of opponents.

So there's no doubt we will need to be at our most alert and assertive today in order to try and take another giant step closer towards retaining the Premier League title.

Reliving THAT 93:20 moment

Guardiola on 'extraordinary' West Ham 🗣

Pep on the challenge posed by West Ham:

"West Ham have been extraordinary the last two seasons, not just this one.

"They had an incredible season and are so strong in many departments. At set pieces and in the middle with Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek, quality with Manuel Lanzini, Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals.

"A top side, a difficult one, but at the same time we know how important it is. Getting three points will be an incredible step to trying to finish the job."

Up for the Cup

It's a super Sunday in the capital in every sense of the phrase with City's Women also in action this afternoon as we tackle Chelsea at Wembley in the FA Cup final.

Gareth Taylor's side are looking to end the season with another piece of silverware to add to the Continental Cup we won earlier this term with a record FA Cup final crowd in excess of 50,000 expected for the showpiece event.

Kick-off at the national stadium is at 2.30pm and I'll keep you up to date with all the news as it happens.

COME ON, CITY!!!

Get involved 📱

As always we are keen to get your thoughts and insights ahead of today’s game.

So, what are you expecting from this afternoon's game? What team would you pick?

Let us know your thoughts using #ManCity on Twitter and, don’t forget, you can ask a question to our Matchday Live panel by messaging +447537186538 on WhatsApp. 

Audience participation is very much encouraged!

Good afternoon!

And a very warm welcome back to the Matchday Centre for another crucial afternoon as we visit West Ham for our penultimate Premier League fixture.

As we approach the final lap of an eventful and memorable season, the mathematics are deliciously simple for Pep Guardiola’s side.

If we can accumulate four points from our last two games of the season, we will be crowned Premier League champions for the fourth time in five seasons, irrespective of what Liverpool do.

That said, we all know today promises to be a really tough encounter with Europa League semi-finalists West Ham seeking to secure their place in next season’s European tournament.

It promises to be another compelling afternoon with Kick-off at the London Stadium at 2pm and you are in the right place to follow all the action and developments as they happen.

I’ll be providing live updates throughout the build-up, providing match action and also posting all the post-match reaction.

Stay tuned – and COME ON, CITY!