Pep Guardiola pinpoints “unique” Erling Haaland moment during Manchester City hat-trick vs West Ham

Pep Guardiola has pinpointed a “unique” moment from hat-trick hero Erling Haaland after Manchester City’s latest victory in the Premier League.

Manchester City won 3-1 against West Ham in their third game of the new Premier League season, with Erling Haaland scoring yet another hat-trick for The Citizens.

Pep Guardiola’s side started the game well, and some early pressing from Bernardo Silva won the ball high up the pitch. He found Haaland, who made no mistake in front of goal.

Soon afterwards, the hosts were level after City defender Ruben Dias diverted Jarrod Bowen’s low cross into the back of Ederson’s net.

Fortunately for City, they had Haaland on the pitch. The Norweigan has looked dangerously sharp at the beginning of this season, and he scored a magnificent goal to give his team the lead once again.

After being played the ball into the box by Rico Lewis, the 24-year-old striker took one touch with his right foot before slamming the ball into the far top corner with his left.

The second half reminded Guardiola and his team that they are not unbeatable. Chances on the counter-attack, led by Mohammed Kudus for West Ham, caused problems for City.

However, the defensive stood firm, and once again, Halaand delivered a third to give his team breathing room and secure the three points. He has scored seven in three Premier League games this season.

Guardiola issued huge praise for the striker after the game, describing his third and final goal as “unique” but also mentioning the 24-year-old’s all-round play on the night.

“From the beginning, he was unbelievable,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “The second goal, even the first. The third goal is something unique.

“With this mindset he has, everything he can do. The numbers with the short age and the games he’s played. He’s loved for what he does on the pitch.

“You have to let him do what he wants. He scored three goals today, but he didn’t lose one ball. Today is one of the games where he has played the best in all situations.

“When you see the games and see what we want to do, he understands because he is a smart guy. He wants to score goals.”

City go into the first international break of the season top of the Premier League table with three wins, nine goals scored, and just two conceded.