Erling Haaland scored twice to bring his Premier League total to nine goals, as Manchester City overcame an early setback to maintain their perfect start with a win over Brentford.
Yoane Wissa put Brentford ahead just 23 seconds in, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up between John Stones and Ederson to score the fastest goal of the season.
Despite the early blow, Haaland quickly restored order for City.
He capitalized on a loose ball after Kevin de Bruyne was tackled in Brentford’s box, driving it home to level the score.
The Norwegian striker, playing despite the recent passing of a close family friend, doubled his tally before halftime, outmuscling Ethan Pinnock to score from Ederson’s long pass.Haaland came close to becoming the first player since 1946 to score three consecutive hat-tricks in English top-flight history, but he was denied by Brentford keeper Mark Flekken and the post.
Despite not completing the hat-trick, Haaland’s two goals were enough to earn him the Man of the Match award, with his father, Alfie, watching from the stands.
With 99 goals in 103 appearances for City, Haaland’s goal-scoring rate outpaces club legend Sergio Aguero, who scored 260 goals in 390 games.
At his current rate, Haaland is on course to surpass Aguero’s record within three seasons.
Haaland’s ability to score out of seemingly nothing once again proved decisive for City. New signing Savinho also showed promise but failed to convert his chances.
Jack Grealish’s resurgence was evident, as he forced a low save from Flekken, while Rodri made his return as a second-half substitute. However, Phil Foden remained on the bench ahead of City’s upcoming Champions League clash against Inter Milan.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest stunned Liverpool at Anfield with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a sublime strike from substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi. This marked Forest’s first win at Liverpool since 1969.
Despite Liverpool dominating the first half and coming close through Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister, Forest improved after the break, with Hudson-Odoi’s inch-perfect shot sealing the win. Forest’s triumph propelled them to fourth in the Premier League table, while Liverpool sit two places above them.
