Erling Haaland nets another hat-trick in a stunning performance against West Ham, propelling Manchester City to the top of the league standings.

Manchester City took the top spot in the Premier League, thanks to Erling Haaland’s back-to-back hat tricks that led them to a 3-1 victory against West Ham on Saturday.

Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund, the Norwegian has scored 70 goals in 69 Premier League games. He completed another treble last weekend against Ipswich to add to his impressive tally.

City has launched their defense of the title with a warning to those seeking to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s team, having clinched four consecutive league trophies.

Haaland’s electrifying start has been instrumental in helping the English champions become the solitary team to triumph in all three of their initial fixtures preceding an imminent international break.

Once more, Guardiola had the privilege of not including Rodri, John Stones and Kyle Walker in his starting lineup due to their participation in Euro 2024’s final. Furthermore, Phil Foden was unable to participate for a second consecutive game due to sickness.

Unlike his fellow team-mates who participated in the Euros and Copa America, Haaland enjoyed a summer free from international obligations. Consequently, he appears refreshed and strikingly ruthless on the field.

Haaland has achieved a remarkable feat, by scoring in the opening weekend win against Chelsea and hitting his 10th City hat-trick versus Ipswich. He now holds the Premier League record for reaching seven goals within just three games of a season.

The fault for the first goal falls solely on West Ham’s shoulders, as they carelessly surrendered possession in their own territory and allowed Bernardo Silva to find Haaland, who calmly slotted it past Alphonse Areola.

In the beginning of the game, City appeared eager to secure a win as Areola thwarted Kevin De Bruyne’s attempt and then Belgian hit the crossbar with force.

However, West Ham managed to equalize with their first effective attack thanks to assistance from the opposing team.

Julen Lopetegui has ensured a more alluring brand of football, responding to the Hammers supporters’ exhaustion with David Moyes’ tenure despite commendable outcomes.

Jarrod Bowen’s remarkable move from one end of the field to another culminated in him driving into City’s box where his low cross resulted in Ruben Dias inadvertently putting it past his own goalkeeper.

The City team swiftly regained control of the game and reestablished their advantage by executing a complex maneuver that culminated in an emphatic strike.

Haaland received Rico Lewis’ pass and proceeded to accurately place the ball before powering it high above Areola.

Lewis missed an opportunity to score from a potential assist by Haaland before half-time as he fired over the goal.

City failed to secure the decisive third goal and left themselves vulnerable, as they kept the door open in the second half for a possible punishment.

Bowen swiftly launched a counter-attack and passed the ball to Mohammed Kudus, who struck an intense shot that unfortunately hit the post.

To seal the three points, Haaland fittingly had the final say.

Matheus Nunes played the ball to the 24-year-old, who confidently lifted it over substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

In stoppage time, Haaland was prevented from scoring his fourth goal by the experienced Polish goalkeeper who made a crucial save.

West Ham’s second loss in three matches drops Lopetegui’s team to 14th place.

AFP