31st August, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Erling Haaland continued his electrifying form on Saturday, netting another hat-trick as Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.
The win solidified City’s position at the top of the English Premier League table.
The prolific striker, who also bagged a hat-trick last weekend, has now scored an impressive seven goals in just three matches this season.
City struck early, taking the lead 10 minutes into the match when a defensive error from West Ham allowed Haaland to pounce. The Norwegian forward calmly slotted the ball home from close range.
West Ham responded quickly, leveling the score just nine minutes later from a Ruben Dias own goal, as he attempted to block a cross, inadvertently sent the ball into the bottom left corner of his own net.
Haaland restored City’s advantage in the 30th minute, latching onto a pass inside the box and rifling the ball into the roof of the net.
Just before halftime, Kevin De Bruyne came close to extending City’s lead with a direct free kick from the edge of the box, but his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
In the 52nd minute, Mohammed Kudus had a golden opportunity to equalize for West Ham. After being played through on goal, he rounded the keeper but struck the post with his shot.
Haaland completed his hat-trick eight minutes from time, with Matheus Nunes providing the assist. The Norwegian had an easy tap-in to make it 3-1 for the visitors.
In added time, Crysencio Summerville nearly added a fourth for City, but his well-controlled shot inside the box rattled the right post.
