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Erling Haaland’s second consecutive hat-trick helped Manchester City beat West Ham United 3-1 on Saturday, August 31. With this win, the Citizens maintained their perfect start and lead in the Premier League table, with a cent per cent record of winning three in three. Haaland, who missed an early chance in the game, missed no opportunity thereafter as he finished past Alphonse Areola in the 10th minute after Bernardo Silva intercepted the ball in the midfield to give City a 1-0 lead.
However, the West Ham United found an equaliser in the 18th minute, Haaland restored the lead, getting the back of the net prior to the halfway mark. The 24-year-old Norwegian scored his 11th hat-trick for City to extend the champions’ perfect start to their title defence. He also notched his seventh goal in three league games this season.
Watch Erling Haaland's goal vs West Ham United:
Notably, Erling Haaland is the first player to score a hat-trick in two of a team’s first three league games in a season since Paul Jewell for Bardford in 1994-95.
I feel good, I feel energised: Erling Haaland
Haaland, who recorded his 70th Premier League goal in his 69th game, said that he was feeling the benefits of having a rest. Notably, Haaland struggled with niggles last season when he was still the league’s to scorer with 27 goals. Speaking after scoring his second hat-trick told Sky Sports, “I feel good, I feel energised”.
“I had a long vacation and pre-season. I feel good. The years I’ve been here have been really fast. Now I’ve got some rest in my body and my feet. Now I’m ready for more,” Haaland added.
Man City manager, Pep Guardiola also hailed Haaland’s return to the setup after injury struggles last season. "The first goal, Bernardo wins the ball, pass the ball and finish or the third goal, with the space behind, it's unstoppable. There is no central defender, not even with a gun – it's impossible, so fast, so powerful," Guardiola told reporters.
The Premier League table-toppers will next take on Brentford in their next clash on September 14 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, whereas the West Ham United, who currently occupy the 14th place, will take on Fulham at the Craven Cottage in Week 4 of EPL 2024-25.
