♦ Erling Haaland netted an incredible first half hat-trick for Man City
♦ Arsenal had previously won at Bournemouth, with pressure on Man City
Erling Haaland netted an incredible first half hat-trick for Man City against Wolves, before netting a fourth in the second half, to see Pep Guardiola’s side close in on Arsenal at the top of the league.
With Arsenal beating Bournemouth 3-0 earlier in the day, the Premier League champions knew that they needed to win both of their games in hand to return to the top of the table.
And Haaland got the Citizens off to an incredible start, scoring from the penalty spot after 10 minutes.
He added his second of the game in the 35th minute before sealing a first half hat-trick on the brink of half-time, also from the penalty spot. The second half saw Haaland score his fourth of the game in incredible fashion.
His goals see Haaland pull away in the race for the Premier League golden boot, with Cole Palmer unable to score against Spurs this weekend, while Watkins is also in joint second-place.
Erling Haaland netted an incredible hat-trick for Man City against Wolves
The forward scored two penalties in the opening 45 minutes on route to his hat-trick
Haaland knew what he had to do after Arsenal beat Bournemouth earlier on Saturday
The first half saw Man City in complete control, with Rodri securing his 20th goal involvement of the season.
With Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne both named in the starting XI alongside Haaland, Guardiola’s side were at their strongest.
With 53% of the ball, City registered seven shots and five on target as they took the game to Wolves.
The visitors couldn’t do much as Haaland was in a goal-scoring mood, securing the mathc ball in the first period.
With three games left, the Citizens know that if they are perfect they will retain the Premier League title.
However, Arsenal currently sit top of the league – one point ahead of Guardiola’s side, having played a game more.
Their 3-0 victory over Bournemouth was full of controversy as Kai Havertz was handed a first half penalty before the Cherries had a goal disallowed.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that his side can rely on north London rivals Spurs, who face Man City before the end of the season.