Manchester City continued their perfect start to the new Premier League season with a 3-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
Erling Haaland was once again the star of the show as he scored back-to-back hat-tricks to take his tally for the season up to seven after just three games.
His first came after just 10 minutes with a trademarked finish into the bottom corner but West Ham struck back when Ruben Dias turned into his own net.
Haaland riffled one into the roof of the goal before the break to restore the lead but Manchester City faced some pressure in the second half as Mohammad Kudus rattled the post.
Pep Guardiola’s side remained calm and collected, though, with Haaland sealing the three points late on.
No prizes for guessing Haaland’s rating but here’s how the rest of the players did.
Ederson – 7
There was nothing Ederson could have done about the wicked deflection that deceived him for West Ham’s goal and otherwise had very little to do until he made a stunning save in the dying seconds.
Rico Lewis – 8
Even when harried by the press, Rico Lewis kept a remarkable coolness for someone so young. His positioning and distribution were class throughout.
He even picked up an assist with a great first touch and pass to Haaland for his second but should have scored himself when the Norweigan returned the favour.
Manuel Akanji – 8
A very good performance from Manuel Akanji on his 100th appearance. Matched the rapid Michail Antonio stride-for-stride in the first half and then made a crucial block on him on the hour mark when the Hammers were on top.
Ruben Dias – 7
Ruben Dias could have potentially adjusted his body better to prevent his own goal, but Jarrod Bowen knew what he was doing with his cross. Made a crucial challenge shortly after, though, and kept his composure when West Ham pressed after their goal.
If Guardiol – 7
Struggled at times against the pacey and enterprising Bowen on the rare occasions the West Ham man got the ball but was otherwise quietly dependable. Was always available for a pass and kept possession ticking nicely.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
The flaws of having Mateo Kovacic in the Rodri role were laid bare for the equaliser as he pushed too far up to win the ball, leaving space in behind for Mohammad Kudus to exploit and set Bowen off down the flank.
Good on the ball but saw himself dribbled past a couple of times, too.
Jeremy Doku – 5
A quiet afternoon with most of City’s attacks going down the left but when Jeremy Doku was found with time and space his touches were poor and his decision-making worse.
So much so that Haaland could even be heard bemoaning one of his misplaced passes at one point. Even when he did finally get beyond his full-back, his cross was overhit.
Doku was hooked in the 67th minute as Guardiola looked to get back some more control.
Kevin De Bruyne – 8
As influential and creative as ever, with almost every pass Kevin De Bruyne sent City forwards and created chance after chance. Stung Alphonse Areola’s palms and rattled the post, too.
The brilliant Belgian played in a new role on the left wing and was just as sublime as he is everywhere else, his ability to cut inside and deliver killer balls is just another way he can hurt teams.
Bernardo Silva – 7
Bernardo Silva won the ball back high up and played Haaland in beautifully to set up the opener as his great start to the season continues. Some crucial defending in the second half, too.
Jack Grealish – 8
Jack Grealish was given his first start of the season with Savinho ruled out through injury and the pressure was on for him to perform after a difficult last season. He did just that.
He was straight into the action and was constantly involved in City’s best attacks, linking particularly well with De Bruyne.
The pair often swapped positions but Grealish operated well in the central, ball-carrying role and was accurate with his passing. It was his driving run into the box that really created the second goal.
This was the Grealish fans have been desperate to see, one who is always looking to move forward and make things happen. Hopefully, we see it a lot more.
Erling Haaland – 10
Haaland needed one to warm up after heading a great chance wide five minutes in but was back on form shortly afterwards when he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for the opener.
His second was even better as he riffled the ball into the roof of the net with a precision finish in typically devastating fashion.
As well as scoring, his link-up play was fantastic and this was a really hard-working performance with plenty of pressing and tracking back. He looks fitter and hungrier than ever.
His involvement shrunk in the second half as West Ham grew into the game but he still managed to complete yet another hat-trick late on after being played in behind and lifting the ball over the goalkeeper.
That’s now 70 goals in 69 Premier League games. Extraordinary.
Substitutes
Ilkay Gundogan – 7
When the game was getting stretched and City looked like they might concede Guardiola must have been delighted to be able to call upon Ilkay Gundogan again.
The German was as assured as ever on the ball and helped City wrestle back control to see the game out.
Matheus Nunes – 7
Brought on with 19 minutes remaining, Matheus Nunes made his brief cameo count with a superb ball to Haaland for the third goal. He operated well on the left and might get more chances there.
Kyle Walker – N/A
Came on with three minutes remaining and kept the ball.
Nathan Ake – N/A
Also introduced late on and didn’t have much to do.
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