Photo Credit: AFP
Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s current top scorer repeated history as he eased four goals past Wolves. He scored a hat-trick against them last season and came back to bite them again with one goal better. This helped Manchester City to win 5-1 against Wolves. The match was played at The Etihad Stadium with utmost zeal and zest from the City players and fans.
Barely past the 10 minute mark, the hosts were awarded a penalty when Rayan Ait Nouri was judged to have fouled Josko Gvardiol in the penalty box. As cool as you like, Haaland stepped up and sent Jose Sa the wrong way to establish Manchester City’s lead. The striker had the opportunity to double the lead as his tally when Bernado Silva lofted a cross in which Haaland rose well only to be impressively denied by an outstretched Jose Sa.
Manchester City displayed complete dominance over the visitors but when Wolves finally did get a hold of the ball they swiftly resorted to counter attacks making Nathan Ake and Ederson make interventions to intercept the dangerous crosses. Even with their tactic of counter pressing and counter-attacking, the visitors were still sloppy on the ball. Haaland dealt out punishment in the 35th minute as he leapt highest following a cross by Rodri leaving Jose Sa with no chance.
A slight delay to the Norwegian’s hat-trick as Nelson Semedo raced back to challenge Haaland but ended up giving away another penalty before the break. Erling Haaland converted from the spot finishing up his hat-trick before the first half was over making it his 21st career hat-trick. After the break we saw substitute Jean-Ricner Bellegarde make his impact in the 53rd minute after floating a cross into the box for Hwang Hee Chan to pounce on after Ederson misjudged the cross.
Less than 3 minutes later, an immediate response was registered as English wonder-kid Phil Foden once again found Haaland who got the better of Wolves defender Kilman to clinically finish his 25th goal of the season.
Haaland did not let Jose Sa catch his breath as he never retaliated with his shots. The Wolves’ goalkeeper looked exasperated as he tipped another Haaland shot in the 60th minute. Haaland was substituted off for Julian Alvarez who also saw himself on the scoresheet within three minutes of getting onto the pitch.
This was in the 85th minute. The score ended 5-1 bringing them one point behind Arsenal with one game in hand. The Citizens are eager to clinch a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
