Erling Haaland scored a hattrick to help Man City produce one of the most comprehensive football results of the weekend in the Premier League. For the majority of the first half, Wolves contained the home team before Haaland took control by directing Kevin De Bruyne’s cross into the goal. Early in the second half, he added a second goal from the penalty spot. After Jose Sa’s mistake, he finished up the hat trick with a simple finish. Only his replacement saved Wolves. The goals bring Haaland’s season total in the Premier League to 25 after only 19 games. His goal against Tottenham on Thursday night snapped a two-game mini-dry spell. A fresh scoring run has started. Haaland’s treble was also a potent refutation of suggestions that City had deteriorated since the striker’s arrival in the summer, at least in terms of style.
There were times in the first half when the intensity was absent, as Pep Guardiola had been upset with his players in midweek for lacking zeal. However, the reliable duo of De Bruyne and Haaland broke the tie, and City never looked back. In the minutes following the opening goal, as the Premier League champions stepped up the tempo, the vivacious Jack Grealish had a strong penalty shout refused and saw a shot saved off the line by Nathan Collins. At the break, the Wolves made three alterations. It was ineffective.
Soon after the break, Ilkay Gundogan was tripped inside the penalty area by Ruben Neves, and Haaland completed the goal from the spot. His third goal might have been even simpler thanks to Riyad Mahrez’s selfless assist after Sa had sent the ball directly to the winger. When De Bruyne played Mahrez in, he thought he had the goal. However, he was just barely offside, and Wolves were saved more punishment when Haaland was replaced. Although there will be an ongoing discussion about Haaland’s contribution to City, his record of goals scored speaks for itself.
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