LONDON: Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with a second consecutive hat-trick in a 3-1 win at West Ham on Saturday (Aug 31).
The Norwegian put Ipswich to the sword last weekend and followed up with another treble to take his tally to 70 goals in 69 Premier League games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund.
City have started the defence of their title in ominous fashion for those looking to depose Pep Guardiola's men after winning the league for four consecutive seasons.
The English champions are the only side so far to win all three of their opening fixtures before an upcoming international break, helped in no small part by Haaland's electric start.
"No words for him. All we can do is make him play better and better and give him as many balls as possible to the box," said Guardiola.
The City boss could again afford the luxury of leaving Rodri, John Stones and Kyle Walker on the bench after their exertions in reaching the final of Euro 2024, while Phil Foden missed out for the second successive game through illness.
In contrast to most of his team-mates who were in action at the Euros and Copa America, Haaland had the summer off from international duty and looks as refreshed as he has been ruthless."I feel good, I feel energised. I had a long vacation and pre-season," said Haaland.
"Only footballers know how important it is to have a break."You need to calm your body and mind down 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 win at Chelsea and hitting his 10th City hat-trick against Ipswich, Haaland is now up to a Premier League record seven goals in the first three games of a season. — AFP