Just a week after Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland's "ridiculous" scoring numbers, the Manchester City striker had another stunning display. During Manchester City's 3-1 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium, Haaland scored a hat-trick, his second in only one week. City's undefeated Premier League streak continues with this win 🏆🔥
Haaland's remarkable start to the season has been nothing short of incredible. He has scored seven goals in three games, more than any other Premier League player. To put it in context, he has already scored more goals than Burnley and Sheffield United combined last season. Haaland's goal tally has also overtaken 51 out of 72 English Football League sides who have played one more game than him 😲⚽
He not only broke his own records but also reached a 30-year-old milestone. He is the first player since Bradford City's Paul Jewell in 1994-95 to record two hat-tricks in the opening three games of a season. Guardiola, who had run out of superlatives to praise his star attacker, voiced his surprise: "No words for him." All we can do is encourage him to perform better and give him as many balls as possible." 🙌🎉
Haaland's summer sabbatical, courtesy of Norway's inability to qualify for Euro 2024, appears to have done wonders. Guardiola suggested at a "Haaland 2.0," which would feature increased game understanding and overall performance. "He scored three goals today and didn't lose a single ball," Guardiola stated. Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards applauded Haaland's renewed enthusiasm and excellent body language 💪🌟
Haaland's hat-trick against West Ham brought his total for Manchester City to 70 goals in 69 appearances, his 11th hat-trick. Each of his goals against West Ham showcased his versatility: the first was a calm finish, the second was a thundering strike, and the third was a poised one-on-one. Former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp praised Haaland's performance: "The first goal was a piece of beauty. What scares every defender is that he appears better than ever 🔥⚽
Haaland is averaging 2.3 goals per game this season. If this rate continues, it would equate to an incredible 89 goals for the whole campaign. Although it is doubtful he will maintain such a high pace, it demonstrates how threatening he has been. Richards said it best: "His ruthlessness in front of goal is why he has scored so many. It is extraordinary. "He's among the best I've ever seen." 😱⚽🔝