Erling Haaland scored the 23rd hat-trick of his senior professional career as Manchester City breezed past Ipswich Town in their latest Premier League encounter.
The 24-year-old phenomenon has started the new season as any Manchester City fan would have expected, having already scored four goals in his opening two Premier League games and seemingly hungry for plenty more.
After a shaky start to the game on Saturday afternoon, conceding a careless goal after just seven minutes to the newly-promoted Premier League side, Pep Guardiola’s side quickly turned things around.
New signing Savinho won a penalty with a great individual effort alongside the right of Manchester City’s attack, and Erling Haaland calmly converted it just five minutes after the opening goal for the visitors.
Manchester City soon took command of the match, with goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland giving them a 3-1 advantage going into the half-time break, with the latter completing his hat-trick not too long after.
The Norwegian struck a third late in the second half, shortly after Ilkay Gündogan made his second debut for Manchester City following his recent surprising free transfer from FC Barcelona.
Manchester City new-boy Savinho has looked extremely impressive since his summer move from Troyes, and he was involved in Pep Guardiola’s side’s first two goals of the game against The Tractor Boys.
Speaking on the young Brazilian’s impact, Erling Haaland told reporters, “He’s been amazing so far. We are happy with everyone we have and everyone who comes.”
The Norwegian also expressed his happiness at Ilkay Gundogan’s return to the the Etihad Stadium after he initially left for La Liga last summer upon the expiry of his previous Manchester City contract.
“Amazing,” described Erling Haaland when discussing the German’s return to Manchester City. “When he’s in the locker room, and the treatment room, it feels normal to just see him.
“It’s good to have him back. He’s an amazing footballer; everyone knows this already. I cannot wait to play with him again.”
Manchester City return to action next weekend, as they return to London for the third time this season to face West Ham United, following the FA Community Shield against Manchester United and the Premier League opener against Chelsea.