Few teams have started a Premier League game at such huge odds as West Ham did at Manchester City today but the Londoners nearly caused a huge shock, as Joe Dyer reports...
It's the second time in a week that City have been stretched by so-called lesser opposition and potentially gives Manchester United hope ahead of next Sunday's derby. United are eight points back of City with the pair set to meet at Old Trafford next Sunday.
It was billed as one of the biggest mismatches in Premier League history but West Ham mocked their huge odds at The Etihad today.
The Londonders went off around [28.0] to inflict an upset defeat on the champions-elect but took an unexpected lead on the stroke of half-time - backed at [50.0] to hold the advantage after the first 45 minutes - and made the hosts wait until the final ten minutes before they found a winner.
Despite that, City only touched a high of [2.1] on the Betfair Exchange.
It's the second time in a week that City have been stretched by so-called lesser opposition and potentially gives Manchester United hope ahead of next Sunday's derby. United are eight points back of City with the pair set to meet at Old Trafford next Sunday.
City are [1.16] to win the title, with United the [13.5] second favourites.
West Ham face a tough run in upcoming games but look to have the quality to beat their relegation odds - which currently stand at [2.06].
Earlier in the day the south coast clash between Bournemouth and Southampton ended with points shared. In an entertaining clash, Bournemouth took the lead through Ryan Fraser only to be pegged back by Charlie Austin's shot from inside the box.
Despite both sides showing plenty of attacking intent neither was able to make the breakthrough.