Haaland net brace secures Man City victory against Brentford

Erling Haaland continued his remarkable Premier League form by netting twice, bringing his season tally to nine goals, as Manchester City staged a comeback to beat Brentford and preserve their 100% league record.

Brentford stunned City by scoring just 23 seconds into the match when Yoane Wissa capitalized on a mix-up between John Stones and Ederson to head into an open net.

Despite the early setback, Haaland equalized by latching onto a loose ball in the box following Kevin de Bruyne’s blocked effort.

The Norwegian superstar, playing under emotional circumstances after the death of a close family friend, struck again before halftime. He muscled past Ethan Pinnock to reach Ederson’s long ball, giving City the lead.

Haaland’s second goal left him on the verge of making history as he came close to becoming the fifth player to score three consecutive hat-tricks in English top-flight history, a feat last achieved in 1946.

City’s victory ensured their perfect start to the season remained intact.

He came close. Brentford keeper Mark Flekken tipped one goal-bound effort over the bar. Haaland then sent an instinctive first-time strike against the post and was unable to get enough power behind the rebound to take it into the net.

But, despite the crowd clearly willing him on, dad Alfie watching from the stands and manager Pep Guardiola opting not to take him off even though his side start their Champions League campaign with a 2023 final rematch against Inter Milan on Wednesday, this time Haaland had to settle for two.