What's happened
Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick in Manchester City's 3-1 victory over West Ham, marking his seventh goal in three matches this season. Pep Guardiola praised Haaland's improved fitness and involvement in the game, highlighting his crucial role in City's attacking strategy.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jacob Steinberg in The Guardian, Guardiola stated, "He’s unstoppable, there’s no central defender, not even with a gun, to stop him," highlighting Haaland's current form. Andy Sims from The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that Haaland's involvement in the game was exceptional, as he "didn’t lose one ball and played unbelievable." Will Unwin from The Guardian also pointed out that Haaland's fitness has improved significantly since last season, where he struggled with injuries, stating, "This season I feel he is better, staying on the pitch after training sessions a bit more for crosses and finishing." These perspectives collectively underscore Haaland's critical role in Manchester City's success this season.
How we got here
Haaland's performance comes after a challenging previous season marred by injuries. Guardiola noted that Haaland's fitness has significantly improved, allowing him to contribute more effectively to the team's play this season.
More on these topics
-
Erling Braut Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund and the Norway national team.
-
Josep "Pep" Guardiola Sala is a Spanish professional football manager and former player, who is the current manager of Premier League club Manchester City. He is considered to be one of the greatest managers of all time.