Premier League: Erling Haaland scores first Premier League hat-trick as Manchester City beat Crystal Palace
Manchester City resurfaced from two goals down for the fourth time in six games to defeat Crystal Palace 4-2. New signing Erling Haaland struck a staggering hat-trick within 19 minutes, which sealed a victory for the champions
Image credit: SALive Image Erling HaalandThe Nordic marauder now has a record of six goals in his first four games after his move from Borussia Dortmund. Palace went into half-time with a two-goal lead as City couldn't shoot a single attempt on target.
Although City had better possession in the opening period, it was Palace who shot the ball into the net. Four minutes into the game, Eberechi Eze threw a free kick that hit Kyle Walker on the elbow and flew into the net off John Stones' knee.
In the 21st minute, Eze provided the ball from the same right flank as earlier and an unmarked Joachim Andersen struck a header past Ederson. Palace subsequently got another chance, but referee Darren England said no.
The City was still trailing eight minutes after half-time, but they were in the lead around 25 minutes into the second half. The gap was filled up by Bernardo Silva, who darted from the side and flung the ball low past Vicente Guaita in the 53rd minute.
Kevin De Bruyne's cross then found Alvarez, who passed the ball to Phil Foden. The midfielder sent the ball into the danger zone, and Haaland ultimately converted it nine minutes later.
In the 70th minute, Alvarez made a neat pass to Silva, and with Stone's help, Haaland found the ball and scored his second goal. The third one was initiated by Ilkay Gundogan, who passed the ball to the 22-year-old striker, helping him achieve his first hat-trick in the league.
