A week after Pep Guardiola marvelled at Erling Haaland’s “ridiculous” scoring stats, the Manchester City striker produced another stellar performance that left his manager and fans in awe. Haaland’s hat-trick against West Ham United at the London Stadium was not only a display of his incredible talent, but also proof of his unwavering consistency and dominance in the Premier League. In Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham, Haaland scored all three of his team’s goals, his second hat-trick in just a week. This remarkable feat cements his status as one of the most formidable strikers in world football. With seven goals in just three games, Haaland has already outscored every other player in the Premier League, putting him well ahead of his rivals. The Norwegian striker’s performance is notable not just for its quantity but also for its quality. His goals against West Ham were a display of his versatility and precision. Haaland’s first goal was a masterclass in composure, as he calmly slotted the ball into the net. His second goal was a powerful strike into the roof of the net, while his third was a classic one-on-one finish. Each goal highlighted a different aspect of his game, showing why he is considered one of the most complete forwards in football. Record-breaking start to the season
Haaland’s blistering start to the season is unprecedented. He has already scored more goals in the first three games of the Premier League than any player from Burnley or Sheffield United. His tally of seven goals has surpassed the total goals scored by 51 of the 72 English Football League teams, all of whom have played at least one game more than Haaland. Furthermore, Haaland’s two hat-tricks in the opening three games have equalled a 30-year-old record set by Bradford City’s Paul Jewell in the 1994-95 season. This achievement underlines Haaland’s exceptional scoring ability and his knack for making history. The evolution of a goal machine
Guardiola’s surprise at Haaland’s performance is understandable, as the striker is constantly improving. Despite taking a summer off from football due to Norway’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024, Haaland has looked sharper than ever. His summer break seems to have rejuvenated him, and he now looks a more refined and complete player than ever before. Guardiola has noticed a significant growth in Haaland’s game. The striker not only scores with incredible efficiency, but also contributes in other areas. Against West Ham, Haaland did not lose possession of the ball once, showcasing his
improved all-around game. This evolution into a more well-rounded player, as well as his innate goal-scoring ability, has made him even more formidable. The impact of the summer break Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards highlighted the positive impact of Haaland’s summer break. Richards said Haaland’s energy and body language have been superb, suggesting the break gave him a chance to recharge and return with renewed vigour. This new approach is evident in Haaland’s performances, which are marked by a high level of confidence and happiness. The striker’s rejuvenation is a key factor in his current form. His summer break has not only helped him physically but also mentally, allowing him to head into this season with a positive mindset and an eagerness to excel. The road to 100 goals Haaland’s current form is taking him towards an impressive milestone. With 70 goals in 69 games for Manchester City, Haaland is fast approaching the milestone of 100 league goals for the club. His latest hat-trick also registered his 11th hat-trick for the defending champions, a testament to his consistent scoring prowess. His goal scoring rate this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an average of 2.3 goals per game,
Haaland is on his way to reaching an astonishing total of 89 goals if he continues this pace. Although maintaining such a high rate over an entire season is perhaps unsustainable, it highlights just how deadly Haaland has been so far. The fear that a striker like Haaland instills in defenders in his peak form is evident. The combination of his physicality, technical skill and goal scoring instinct makes him a nightmare for any opposing defence. As Jamie Redknapp said, Haaland’s performances this season have been a mix of “beauty and the beast”. His confidence and joy on the field are evident, and his ability to score goals with such regularity strikes terror into defenders. Haaland’s form has set a new benchmark for goal scoring in the Premier League. His performances have not only impressed his manager and teammates, but have also drawn praise from football experts and former players. The dominance he has displayed in the early part of the season shows he is not just a fleeting phenomenon, but a player capable of great accomplishments.