Erling Haaland’s relentless scoring prowess propelled Manchester City to the summit of the Premier League with a second consecutive hat-trick in a 3-1 triumph over West Ham United on Saturday. The Norwegian sensation, who terrorized Ipswich Town last weekend, repeated his treble feat to amass an astonishing 70 goals in just 69 Premier League appearances since joining City from Borussia Dortmund.
City’s title defense has commenced with an ominous display, leaving their rivals in awe after securing four consecutive league crowns. The English champions stand alone as the only team to emerge victorious in all three opening fixtures, largely due to Haaland’s electrifying start.
“There are no words for him. All we can do is help him improve and provide him with as many chances as possible,” said Pep Guardiola, City’s manager.
Guardiola enjoyed the luxury of resting key players Rodri, John Stones, and Kyle Walker after their Euro 2024 exploits, while Phil Foden missed the match due to illness. In contrast, Haaland enjoyed a summer break from international duty and appears rejuvenated.
“I feel great, I feel energized. I had a long vacation and pre-season,” Haaland remarked. “Only footballers understand the importance of a break. You need to rest your body and mind because it’s a long season. It’s not as easy as people think. I feel fresh, and that’s the most important thing.”
After scoring in the opening weekend victory at Chelsea and netting his 10th City hat-trick against Ipswich, Haaland has now established a Premier League record of seven goals in the first three games of a season.
West Ham’s downfall was self-inflicted as they surrendered possession deep in their own territory, allowing Bernardo Silva to set up Haaland for a composed finish past Alphonse Areola. City appeared poised to seize control of the match, but Areola denied Kevin De Bruyne before the Belgian struck the crossbar.
However, West Ham’s first meaningful attack resulted in an equalizer, aided by a City blunder. Jarrod Bowen drove into the City box and his low cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Ruben Dias.
City swiftly regained their composure and restored their lead with an intricate move that culminated in a thunderous finish. Rico Lewis’ pass found Haaland, who unleashed a powerful shot past Areola.
Haaland could have added an assist before the break, but Lewis squandered his deft lay-off. City’s failure to find the elusive third goal left the door open for West Ham in the second half. A swift counter-attack saw Bowen set up Mohammed Kudus, who rattled the post with a fierce effort.
Haaland, however, had the final say, sealing the three points with a clinical finish. The 24-year-old was played in by Matheus Nunes and confidently chipped the ball over substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. Fabianski denied Haaland a fourth goal in stoppage time.
West Ham’s second defeat in three games leaves Julen Lopetegui’s side languishing in 14th place.
