Manchester City capitalized on Arsenal’s earlier stumble at home against Brighton, moving to the top of the Premier League table with a commanding 3-1 victory over West Ham, thanks to another masterclass from Erling Haaland, who netted a hat-trick on Saturday Night Football.
Arsenal had to settle for a draw after Declan Rice’s controversial red card, dropping two crucial points. Meanwhile, Haaland’s first-half double set Manchester City on course to maintain their perfect start to the season in London. This achievement made Haaland the first player since Paul Jewell in 1994/95 to score a hat-trick in two of an English team’s first three league games of the season. The Norwegian striker continues to shine brightly.
West Ham, sitting 13th with three points, almost fell behind right from City’s first attack. Jack Grealish found Bernardo Silva, whose cross was headed over by Haaland. The Norwegian quickly made amends, opening the scoring not long after. Lucas Paqueta’s sloppy play allowed Silva to steal the ball and set up Haaland, who coolly slotted it past Alphonse Areola in the 10th minute.
City nearly doubled their lead when Kevin De Bruyne’s strike, after being set up by Jeremy Doku, hit the post. Shortly after, West Ham equalized in a stroke of luck. Jarrod Bowen’s cross from the right was misjudged by Josko Gvardiol, leading to Ruben Dias accidentally diverting the ball past Ederson in an attempt to intercept it.
West Ham briefly found their rhythm, but City quickly regained control and restored their lead just 11 minutes later. Rico Lewis played a significant role, assisting Haaland, who took a touch before blasting the ball past Areola.
Haaland’s Hat-Trick Spectacle Continues
The Norwegian striker continued his sensational form, bringing his goal-scoring prowess from Manchester to London. In just 69 Premier League games, Haaland has already racked up 70 goals, solidifying his status as the Premier League’s reigning king with 19 goals in 11 August appearances.
With hat-tricks against Ipswich Town last weekend and now at the London Stadium, Manchester City secured three wins out of three. Pep Guardiola had previously stated that Haaland was poised to lead the team in their pursuit of a fifth consecutive league title, and it’s clear he’s ready to surpass the 52 goals he netted in his first season with the club.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui acknowledged the challenge of facing one of the best teams in the world but lamented his team’s missed opportunities. “City is undoubtedly one of the best teams in the world, but in the second half, we were close to a draw,” Lopetegui said. “We started well, but against a team like this, any mistake can be costly. It’s frustrating because the players gave everything, and we deserved more.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised his team’s performance, noting the threat West Ham posed, especially with players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus. “We played really well, though the second half was more open. The unfortunate own goal was a setback, but we controlled the game well overall,” Guardiola remarked. “Haaland was unbelievable today, not just with his goals but in all aspects of his game. He’s a smart player who understands our strategy, and it shows on the pitch.”
Haaland, named Player of the Match, expressed his satisfaction with scoring his first away hat-trick in the Premier League. “I didn’t realize it was my first away hat-trick, but it feels great,” Haaland said. “The three points are what matter most. I feel energized after a good vacation and pre-season, and I’m ready for more. It’s important to rest both body and mind because the season is long, and it’s not as easy as it looks.”
Reflecting on his performance, Haaland added, “This is what I’ve been doing my whole life. Normally, teams drop back more, but West Ham needed a goal, so I had the space to exploit, and it worked out perfectly.”
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