Erling Haaland’s second-half hat-trick helped Manchester City overcome a two-goal deficit and upset Crystal Palace 4-2 on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland averaged nearly a goal per game for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga before moving to Manchester City in June. In his first four league games for Pep Guardiola’s team, he has already scored six goals.
City and Brighton & Hove Albion are equal for the top place after the win with 10 points each. Crystal Palace is in 13th place after four games with four points.
Haaland got a standing ovation at the time of substitution in the last 6 minutes. At the break, however, City was in danger of repeating their 2-0 home setback to Crystal Palace from the previous campaign.
In the fourth minute, John Stones’ own goal gave Patrick Vieira’s squad the lead. The visitors then took a two-goal lead in the 21st minute when an unmarked Joachim Andersen headed in a corner from Eberechi Eze.
The beginning of City’s virtually guaranteed comeback was heralded by Bernardo Silva’s low strike that took a slight deflection and beat goalkeeper Vicente Guaita in the 53rd minute.
Guardiola substituted twice before moving Phil Foden to left back. A minute later Foden delivered a crisp cross, and Haaland met it with a deft glancing header.
After that, the attacker produced a slick move with Silva’s help and turned the ball in from a close distance. His final move was the best; he told Ilkay Gundogan which ball he wanted to run onto and held off Joel Ward as he shot into the bottom corner.
“It was a beautiful occasion for my family and me, and I’m ecstatic. An incredible feeling is having a hat-trick, “Haland said.
It involves attempting to carry on with what we are doing. We made the necessary minor tweaks and saw results. We had to obey the manager.
Haaland emphasized the need for City to maintain composure following Palace’s opening goals.
“We have a trusting attitude and believe that opportunities will arise. It’s about persevering. In the end, we scored four goals, which is very positive.
“It’s a warning that we need to improve, work hard, and grow. We shouldn’t give up goals quickly when we play at home. Working harder is key, he said.
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