Haaland's Hat-Trick Blitz: A Reminder That He's Far from Done

One week after Pep Guardiola labeled Erling Haaland's scoring stats as "ridiculous," the Manchester City striker demonstrated why with a stunning performance at West Ham United.

Haaland scored a hat-trick—his second in a week—leading City to a 3-1 victory at the London Stadium and ensuring they maintained their flawless start to the Premier League season.

With seven goals in just three games, Haaland has already outpaced all other Premier League players, netting four more goals than anyone else.

This is his best start to a season in England, surpassing even his debut campaign when he scored 36 league goals.

Despite a summer break from football, Haaland feels rejuvenated. “I feel good, I feel energized,” he said. “I had a long vacation and pre-season. Now I’m ready for more.”

Guardiola's praise for Haaland is not unwarranted. The striker's statistics are extraordinary: his seven goals in three games surpass the total of every Premier League team.

He has also outscored all but 51 of 72 English Football League teams, who have played more games.

Haaland has matched a 30-year-old record, becoming the first player since Bradford City's Paul Jewell in 1994-95 to score two hat-tricks in a club’s opening three games.

Guardiola, nearly speechless after the West Ham win, acknowledged the striker’s impact. “No words for him,” the City boss said. “All we can do is make him play better and give him as many balls as possible.”

Haaland, who missed Euro 2024 due to Norway’s absence, appears to have evolved his game. Guardiola noted, “He scored three goals but didn’t lose a ball. Today was one of his best performances in all aspects.”

Micah Richards, commenting on Sky Sports, praised Haaland’s improved energy and body language. With 70 goals in 69 games for Manchester City, Haaland is closing in on 100 league goals and has now scored 11 hat-tricks for the club.

His goals against West Ham displayed his versatility: a composed finish for the first, a powerful strike for the second, and a clinical one-on-one for the third. Jamie Redknapp highlighted Haaland's confidence and prowess, noting that he looks even better than last season.

Haaland’s current rate of 2.3 goals per game suggests he could score 89 goals over the entire season—though maintaining such a rate is unlikely, his performance so far underscores his exceptional talent. “His ruthlessness in front of goal is extraordinary,” Richards added. “He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen.”