But the prolific striker made no mistake just moments later when he latched onto a clever through ball from Kevin De Bruyne and calmly slotted past Lukasz Fabianski to give City the lead in the 15th minute.
West Ham responded well and almost equalised through Jarrod Bowen, but his effort was well saved by Ederson in the City goal. However, Haaland doubled City’s lead just before half-time with a clinical finish after being played in by a delightful pass from Grealish.
The home side pulled one back early in the second half through Pablo Fornals, but Haaland completed his hat-trick and sealed the win for City with a powerful header from a De Bruyne corner in the 67th minute.
City now sit clear at the top of the table with nine points from their opening three games, while West Ham will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Southampton.
Overall, it was a dominant performance from Manchester City, with Erling Haaland shining brightly with his hat-trick. West Ham put up a fight, but ultimately couldn’t contain City’s attacking prowess. The match was entertaining for the fans, with plenty of goals and exciting moments throughout. It’s clear that Haaland is a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, and City will be hoping he continues his impressive form in the games to come.
Haaland’s incredible form and impact on Manchester City’s performances have certainly made him a standout player in the Premier League. With his goalscoring prowess and all-around abilities, he has quickly become a key player for City and a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Guardiola’s trust in Haaland and his ability to let him play freely seems to be paying off, with the striker delivering exceptional performances and crucial goals for the team. As City look to defend their title and compete in various competitions, Haaland’s presence will undoubtedly be vital for their success.
With his current form and potential, Haaland is certainly making a case for being one of the best players in the world, and his performances in the Premier League are only solidifying that claim. It will be exciting to see how he continues to excel and lead City throughout the season.