Haaland bags hat-trick as Manchester City maintain early EPL lead

Manchester City maintained their place at the helm of the English Premier League standings following Saturday’s thrilling 4-1 win over Ipswich Town at Etihad Stadium.

The visitors took an early lead through Sammie Szmodics, before the champions equalised moments later when Erling Haaland converted from the penalty spot.

Kevin de Bruyne then doubled the lead with a clean finish in the 14th minute, before Haaland added his second of the match two minutes later.

A two-time winner of the EPL Golden Boot, Haaland added another in the 88th minute to round out a dominant afternoon for Pep Guardiola’s side.

On the scoresheet during City’s 2-0 triumph over Chelsea on Match Day 1, Haaland has scored 67 times in 68 EPL appearances.

With four goals in just two league appearances this season and on the back of his 10th hat-trick in City colours, online bookmakers are paying -250 for Haaland to retain the Golden Boot ahead of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (+1000) and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak (+1600).

Speaking after the match, City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his striker.

“He [Haaland] feels better than the previous seasons – not having too many holidays. I remember him saying he was tired and drained,” said Guardiola.

“This season he’s arrived really well. Of course he can’t play every game but the goals he scores is unbelievable.”

Guardiola further praised Haaland’s potential to compete with soccer greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He did it in Salzburg. He did it in Germany. It’s ridiculous. He can compete with Ronaldo and Messi with his goals. We are happy to have him and be here for many years,” he said.

With the win, Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 31 Premier League matches at the Etihad.

Meanwhile, defeat to Ipswich Town means Kieran McKenna’s side find themselves in the bottom two, following their 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend.

Speaking after the match, McKenna emphasised the need to regroup despite their tough fixtures.

“The way the fixtures have come out, it is about learning lessons and adapting as quickly as possible. There are positives for us to take,” said the Ipswich manager.

“It was great for us to get our first goal. It was a really well-worked transition, exactly to plan.”

“The only shame was we weren’t able to enjoy that for longer and find stability in the game.”

Ipswich Town play host to Fulham this Saturday, where soccer betting sites are paying +206 for the Blues to beat Fulham (+135).

Meanwhile, Manchester City are -256.41 favourites to beat West Ham United (+600) on Saturday’s trip to London.

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