Erling Haaland propelled Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with a second consecutive hat-trick in a commanding 3-1 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Norwegian striker, who dismantled Ipswich last weekend, continued his blistering form by netting another treble, bringing his tally to 70 goals in just 69 Premier League appearances since joining from Borussia Dortmund.
City’s defense of their title has begun in dominant fashion, sending a strong message to those hoping to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s side after four straight league titles.
They are the only team to have won all three of their opening fixtures, a feat significantly aided by Haaland’s electric start.
Guardiola was able to rest key players like Rodri, John Stones, and Kyle Walker, who had recently competed in the Euro 2024 final, while Phil Foden missed out again due to illness.
Haaland, who enjoyed a summer off from international duty, appears both refreshed and ruthless, scoring in the season opener against Chelsea and notching his 10th City hat-trick against Ipswich.
He now holds the Premier League record with seven goals in the first three games of a season.
West Ham’s troubles began early when they lost possession deep in their own half, allowing Bernardo Silva to set up Haaland, who calmly slotted the ball past Alphonse Areola for the opening goal.
City nearly extended their lead as Kevin De Bruyne was denied by Areola before smashing a shot off the crossbar.
However, West Ham leveled the score with their first meaningful attack, capitalizing on a defensive error.
Julen Lopetegui, promising a more attractive style of play following dissatisfaction with David Moyes’ tenure, saw his side equalize when Jarrod Bowen’s low cross into the City box was inadvertently turned into the net by Ruben Dias.
City regained control and restored their lead with a well-executed move. Rico Lewis found Haaland, who struck the ball high past Areola with precision. Haaland nearly added an assist before halftime, but Lewis fired over from his delicate lay-off.
Despite their dominance, City left themselves vulnerable in the second half by failing to secure a third goal. West Ham nearly capitalized when Mohammed Kudus hit the post after being played in by Bowen.
Ultimately, Haaland had the final word, sealing the three points by chipping substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski after being set up by Matheus Nunes. Fabianski later denied Haaland a fourth goal in stoppage time.
This result leaves West Ham with two defeats in their first three games, dropping them to 14th place under Lopetegui.
