Erling Haaland: The Unstoppable Force Redefining Premier League

Erling Haaland demonstrated his scoring prowess by securing his second hat-trick in consecutive games for Manchester City against West Ham United. The Norwegian striker's performance highlights his enhanced form this season, contributing to City's unbeaten run. Haaland emphasizes feeling rejuvenated after a good rest and an energizing pre-season.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 01-09-2024 01:53 IST | Created: 01-09-2024 01:53 IST
Erling Haaland: The Unstoppable Force Redefining Premier League
Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland's scoring exploits already made him a daunting prospect for Premier League defenders, but the Norwegian striker's second hat-trick in as many games against West Ham United on Saturday suggests he may have got even better.

The 24-year-old Norwegian scored his 11th hat-trick for City to extend the champions' perfect start to their title defence, notching up his seventh goal in three league games this season. Haaland's first was a sublime finish past Alphonse Areola after Bernardo Silva played him in one-on-one, while his second was a close-range thunderbolt that almost broke the net.

When he charged towards goal late on, there was no doubting the outcome, so much so that City boss Pep Guardiola thinks defenders cannot deny him even with extreme measures. "The first goal, Bernardo wins the ball, pass the ball and finish or the third goal, with the space behind, it's unstoppable," Guardiola told reporters.

"There is no central defender, not even with a gun – it's impossible, so fast, so powerful." Guardiola said Haaland had struggled with niggles last season, when he was still the league's top scorer with 27 goals, and was now an even more devastating player.

Haaland, who recorded his 70th Premier League goal in his 69th game, said he was feeling the benefits of having a rest. "I feel good, I feel energised," he told Sky Sports. "I had a long vacation and pre-season. I feel good.

"The years I've been here have been really fast. Now I've got some rest in my body and my feet. Now I'm ready for more."

(With inputs from agencies.)

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