Manchester City’s wrecking ball that is Erling Haaland has begun the new season in devastating fashion. 7 goals in City’s opening three Premier League games is an absurd statistic. It shows just how devastating Haaland has been this season. But he is also evolving as a player which is a frightening proposition for City’s rivals this season.
City’s wrecking ball followed up his hat trick against Ipswich Town with another one against West Ham yesterday. His goals were crucial in City’s 3-1 win over the Hammers at the London Stadium. After missing an early chance in the 6th minute Haaland stepped up to fire City to a crucial victory. All three of his goals were clinical finishes. That is a well-known trait of Haaland’s game. But goals weren’t the only positives from the performance of Haaland yesterday. He also showed that he is evolving as a player.
Built different, @ErlingHaaland! 😤 pic.twitter.com/POgNAmt9sf
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2024
Two instances stood out from Haaland’s game besides his goals yesterday. One was his superb hold-up play to tee up Rico Lewis late in the first half. It was a superb piece of play from City’s wrecking ball. As he continues to develop as a player this should be seen more from Haaland. If Rico Lewis had put away the chance that brilliant piece of play would’ve received more plaudits.
Another crucial piece of play from Haaland that stood out was a defensive effort in the first half. City’s number 9 charged back to prevent a West Ham counterattack. He challenged Michail Antonio to prevent a dangerous counter. It was an inspiring piece of play from Haaland which showed another side of his game.
Get a striker who can do both 💪@ErlingHaaland 💨 pic.twitter.com/HQAFqfCKBD
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 31, 2024
Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland is becoming unstoppable.
Speaking after Manchester City’s 3-1 win over West Ham Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his star striker. He believes City’s wrecking ball is becoming an even better player this season. He told the media: “Erling’s unstoppable, there’s no central defender, not even with a gun, to stop him. He’s playing much better in everything. The details, he stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions. Last season not even once was he there because he didn’t feel good – (he was) tired, niggles.nHe was there and at the end he’s so smart. He needs the team and what he needs is the team to give him more balls in the final third.”
Pep Guardiola was also full of praise for Haaland’s overall performance. He added: “Always Erling scores goals and it’s what he has to do. We are happy for another hat-trick, the quality of the finishing but he was involved with the game today. He didn’t lose one ball and he played unbelievable – not just with the ball but also defensively and offensively. He gave an extra pass.”
It is becoming clear after three Premier League games that Erling Haaland is evolving as a player. Yesterday’s performance against West Ham was further proof of this. 7 goals in three games to start the season is an absurd statistic, there’s no other way to describe it. But his overall game is also improving. If that improvement continues there is no telling just how damaging a player Erling Haaland can become this season.
