“So what Erling Haaland scored 62 goals in 67 Bundesliga games? Wait until he’s in the Premier League!” is what the doubters said. They didn’t believe his goal scoring tally would continue in the mighty EPL. Oh, how wrong they were.
Manchester City defeated Nottingham Forest 6-0 on Wednesday. Haaland scored a perfect hat trick in the first half, his second hat trick in the City’s last two games.
Haaland now has as many Premier League hat tricks in his last two games as Sadio Mané, Eden Hazard and Son Heung-min. His tally of nine goals this season is the record for most goals of any Premier League player through his first five games.
This kid is going to be trouble. The best kind of trouble for Man City and neutrals.
Erling Haaland Stats
9 - Erling Haaland has scored nine goals in his first five @premierleague appearances, a new competition record, surpassing Mick Quinn and Sergio Agüero (both 8). Incredible. pic.twitter.com/t2mrT5bWWZ
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 31, 2022
Erling Haaland already has as many Premier League hat tricks as Sadio Mane, Eden Hazard and Son Heung-min.
He's played five games pic.twitter.com/o1Qgz4tdbS— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 31, 2022
▪️ Fewest games to two Premier League hat tricks:
1—Erling Haaland (5)
2—Demba Ba (21)▪️ Most goals after five games in Premier League history
▪️ More goals than 15 Premier League teamsErling Haaland is taking the Premier League by storm ️ pic.twitter.com/npWTrCNJYB
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 31, 2022
When you realize that Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals this season (9) than Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, West Ham and Aston Villa combined (8) pic.twitter.com/ZzQNBQW7AD
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 31, 2022
Doesn't get much better than this! #mancity pic.twitter.com/CrThLRSvXO
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) August 31, 2022
After netting three vs. Crystal Palace on Saturday the Norwegian scored three more on Wednesday. The hat trick against Forest was a special one in that he scored with his right foot, left foot and head. A perfect hat trick for the perfect signing.
Haaland’s goal scoring is an art form. Sure, he’ll score the occasional banger, but the 22-year-old has an incredible ability to just be in the right place at the right time. That was the case on Wednesday with three poacher’s finishes.
Erling Haaland Hat Trick vs. Nottingham Forest
Erling Haaland scores his 7th goal of the season!
Manchester City take a early 1-0 lead over Nottingham Forest. #MCFC
: @peacockTV #MCINFO pic.twitter.com/EhyOGIeWPU— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 31, 2022
It only took 22 minutes for Erling Haaland to score a brace!
Manchester City have a 2-0 lead over Nottingham Forest. #MCFC
: @peacockTV #MCINFO pic.twitter.com/Hadx2oobf2— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 31, 2022
HAT TRICK HERO!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) August 31, 2022
Barring any injuries, it’s hard to say anyone will compete with him for the Golden Boot if he keeps this pace up. Mohamed Salah's record of 32 goals in a season is well within reach.
This next stat I’m about to share will hurt my fellow Americans’ feelings, and I apologize in advance. Haaland has scored as many EPL goals through his first five games as Christian Pulisic scored in his golden 2019-20 season.
Project Restart Pulisic had nine goals in 25 league appearances that season, Haaland has nine in five.
Sheesh.