Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Mon 4 May 2026 15:10, UK

West Ham United fans continue to dislike the London Stadium, but it appears Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a fan for different reasons.

United supporters have simply not taken to their home since making the switch from Upton Park almost a decade ago.

Not helped by former promises from now former vice-chair Karren Brady, the vast majority of fans would have preferred to simply remained at Upton Park.

The London Stadium has certainly had its fair share of memorable nights, but it is not exactly an intimidating ground.

Man City could only muster a 1-1 draw there recently, but Guardiola is certainly aware of its lack of atmosphere compared to some other grounds.

What has Pep Guardiola apparently said about London Stadium?

West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Man City in March could prove costly in terms of the Citizens’ title chances, with Konstantinos Mavropanos cancelling out Bernardo Silva’s opener.

City otherwise have a very good record at the London Stadium under Guardiola, however, and indeed overall, having not lost in 90 minutes in this fixture since September 2015.

As City prepare for their first trip to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, a report has emerged via the Daily Mail which is perhaps more damning than anything else that has been said or written about the London Stadium.

“Guardiola was given a rude awakening to that on his first visit [to Goodison Park], a four-goal hiding the Catalan has never forgotten,” the report read.

“Each time new signings went to Goodison Park, they were told to be wary of the atmosphere, something always referenced in team meetings, in much the same way as the time Guardiola told his squad to be aware that the London Stadium’s atmosphere resembles a friendly.”

While that is a little too far, a lot of match-going fans will totally get what Guardiola is saying with those private comments.

How does West Ham’s home form compare with others this season?

While a raucous atmosphere does not equate to points, it certainly helps galvanise the team.

West Ham are 16th in terms of home form alone in the Premier League, averaging 1.12 points per game this season.

That is slightly better than Nottingham Forest (1.06), while Wolves (0.72), Tottenham and Burnley (both 0.65) are also worse off.

A return of five wins, four draws and eight losses from 17 league games there this season is simply not good enough and goes a long way to explaining the Hammers’ predicament.

With Arsenal up next at the London Stadium, do not expect that record to get any better.

Supporters will give their all, but Upton Park it certainly is not.