Haaland’s Hat-Trick Seals Win for Man City Against West Ham

Erling Haaland continued his blistering start to the Premier League season, scoring a second consecutive hat-trick as Manchester City secured a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium. The Norwegian striker, who now has seven goals in just three games, helped maintain City’s flawless start to the campaign, keeping them firmly at the top of the table.

Early Dominance from Manchester City

Haaland wasted no time, opening the scoring in the 10th minute. Receiving a precise pass from Bernardo Silva, he slid the ball past West Ham’s goalkeeper to give City an early lead. However, the Hammers quickly responded, with Jarrod Bowen’s dangerous cross forcing Ruben Dias to inadvertently turn the ball into his own net, leveling the score.

Undeterred, Haaland restored Manchester City’s advantage midway through the first half with a powerful shot that found the roof of the net, leaving West Ham’s defence scrambling. Despite a period of City dominance, West Ham managed to weather the storm, with the home side nearly equalising when Mohammed Kudus hit the woodwork early in the second half.

West Ham’s Spirited Second-Half Fight

Inspired by their near miss, West Ham began to impose themselves more in the game. Kudus and Bowen, in particular, posed significant threats, pushing City onto the back foot. Yet, despite their improved performance and the momentum shift, the Hammers couldn’t find a way past Ederson, Manchester City’s reliable goalkeeper.

City’s defensive line held firm, absorbing West Ham’s pressure. Haaland, who had been relatively quiet during West Ham’s resurgence, made his presence felt again by beating the offside trap to latch onto a fine through-ball from Matheus Nunes, sealing the victory with his third goal of the match.

Haaland’s Unstoppable Form

This latest hat-trick marks Haaland’s 11th in a Manchester City shirt, further underscoring his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. The 24-year-old had a stellar debut season, scoring 36 league goals, and the early signs this term suggest he might surpass that tally. Having enjoyed a summer of rest due to Norway’s absence from Euro 2024, Haaland appears rejuvenated, sharper, and hungrier than ever. Remarkably, his seven goals so far this season mean he has outscored every other team in the Premier League on his own.

Encouraging Signs for West Ham

Despite the loss, there were positives for West Ham to take from their performance, particularly in the second half. Manager David Moyes can take heart from his team’s resilience and the attacking flair shown by Kudus and Bowen. The introduction of summer signings Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville injected additional energy into the Hammers’ play, hinting at the depth and potential within their squad.

While West Ham sits in 14th place with three points from three games, their spirited display against the reigning champions offers hope for the season ahead. If they can build on this performance, the Hammers could find themselves climbing the Premier League table in the coming weeks.