Erling Haaland Hat-Trick Secures Manchester City’s Victory Over West Ham

Erling Haaland once again demonstrated his incredible goal-scoring ability by netting a hat-trick in Manchester City’s 3-1 win against West Ham United. This victory helped City maintain their perfect start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Norwegian striker, who scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town just last week, increased his tally to seven goals in only three matches this season. Haaland has now scored more Premier League goals than any other player this season, putting him ahead of entire teams in the league.

Haaland opened the scoring early in the match at London Stadium with a composed one-on-one finish, taking advantage of a perfectly timed pass from Bernardo Silva. Just 19 minutes into the game, West Ham briefly found hope when a cross from Jarrod Bowen deflected off Manchester City’s Ruben Dias and crept past goalkeeper Ederson, leveling the score.

However, Haaland restored City’s lead on the half-hour mark with a powerful strike into the top-right corner of the net, leaving West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola with no chance. West Ham fought back and came close to an equalizer after halftime, with Mohammed Kudus striking the post after a quick counter-attack.

Haaland sealed the victory for Manchester City with his third goal, a brilliant breakaway finish that showcased his pace and precision. With just seven minutes left on the clock, Haaland received a well-placed through-ball from Matheus Nunes, darted past the defense, and calmly chipped the ball over substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised Haaland’s impact. “No words for him [Haaland]. All we can do is make him play better and better and give him as many balls as possible to the box. It’s what we have to do,” Guardiola said. “When we see Erling doing that, it is fantastic.”

Haaland’s extraordinary start to the season has drawn comparisons to football legends. Former players like Owen Hargreaves and Stuart Pearce have commented on his rise, with Hargreaves stating, “Not even Messi and Ronaldo can compare to Haaland’s start in the Premier League.”

On the other side, West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui acknowledged his team’s efforts but admitted the challenges of facing a team like Manchester City. “It is true City is one of the best teams around the world for sure, in history, but it is true too that in the second half we have been very close to a draw,” Lopetegui remarked. “Against this kind of team, if you make a mistake, they don’t forgive.”

Despite West Ham’s second defeat at home this season, there were positives for Lopetegui’s team. They showed resilience and came close to leveling the match multiple times, especially when Kudus struck the post. However, Manchester City’s dominance, particularly in possession and attacking efficiency, ultimately led to their victory.

Manchester City remains at the top of the Premier League standings with a perfect nine points from three games, while West Ham, currently 14th, has three points under the management of Lopetegui.

The statistics from this match further highlight Manchester City’s dominance over West Ham in recent years. Guardiola’s side has never lost to West Ham in the Premier League, maintaining an unbeaten streak in 17 games against the London club. Haaland’s seven goals in the first three games of this season set a new Premier League record, making him the most lethal striker at this stage of a campaign.