Erling Haaland scores a sensational hat-trick as Manchester City fight back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 4-2.
There was still some thought that Erling Haaland would need time to adjust to the Premier League even after three goals in three games – not anymore.
The Norwegian striker has dispelled those last, lingering concerns with a brilliant hat-trick as Manchester City completed a stunning turnaround at the Etihad Stadium.
For the fourth time in six Premier League matches, City found themselves two goals behind and staring down the barrel.
They haven't lost any of them, and for a second time they've turned that stark losing position into a victory.
Bernardo Silva's deflected strike brought them back into the game: then enter Haaland with a 19-minute hat-trick to secure the three points.
"These games are why I'm here – to turn things around when there are difficult times," he said.
Getty ImagesThe Winners
Erling Haaland
It doesn't matter in what league or what country the Norwegian striker plays, he just scores goals.
Haaland has a supernatural ability to be in the right place at exactly the right time.
The 22-year-old turned the game on its head as he gained a yard of space to turn in Phil Foden's cross before reacting to John Stones' mishit to put City ahead.
But his hat-trick goal was the best of the lot, as he used his strength to bundle Palace defenders out of the way before smashing in a finish of unerring quality.
Only former Chelsea striker Diego Costa can better his tally of six goals in his first four Premier League outings, and you get the feeling that Haaland is really only warming up.
Pep Guardiola
After completing his hat-trick, the City manager replaced Haaland and he looked as proud of his player as father Alfie probably did, sitting in the stands.
Guardiola worked wonders to land the title without a number nine, but how grateful he must be to now have one as good as Haaland to call upon.
City failed to score home or away against Palace last season and they were restricted to half-chances in the first half.
But having such a striker gives Guardiola options, as well as a match-winner who can change a game with his natural goalscoring instinct and this was perhaps a contest they might not have won in the past.
Julian Alvarez
The Argentinian was signed as a striker but he will have known that he was always likely to play second fiddle to Haaland.
Guardiola has said his opportunities will come and when the schedule steps up to two games a week, he is certain to get starts.
But trailing 2-1, Alvarez was introduced and played in an unusual space between Phil Foden on the left wing and Haaland in the middle.
It was high risk but gave Palace's defence even more to worry about with another attacker in an unorthodox position and he made the most of the chance.
AdvertisementThe Losers
Patrick Vieira
The man who knew how to frustrate Guardiola suddenly had no way of stopping him.
Last season the Palace boss prevented City scoring in two matches, including a smash-and-grab victory at the Etihad Stadium.
At 2-0 and reasonably comfortable, he looked like he was going to pull off yet another incredible win to add to his burgeoning reputation.
Vieira might feel unfortunate that his side weren't able to add a third as a Jordan Ayew goal was ruled out, although neither he nor his players made much of a fuss, and once the City juggernaut started, there was no way of putting on the brakes.
Set-piece defending
For many coaches, the strategy to get points at the Etihad is to sit deep and hope to make the most of any corners and free-kicks on the rare occasions they come around.
Guardiola knows that well and while the pretty side of his football will always be highlighted, his players are ready to put their heads in to deal with those types of situations.
So it will be alarming that both of Palace's goals came from set-pieces and everyone defending the situation will have to take their share of the blame.
It will be on the training schedule ahead of Wednesday's clash with Nottingham Forest as City won't get away with going two goals down every time, and a quick return to clean sheets will be a priority.
Joachim Andersen
The Danish defender was brilliant for 45 minutes and scored a superb header to put his side two goals ahead.
After keeping Liverpool's Darwin Nunez quiet at Anfield and luring him into a red card, he was strong against Haaland.
A kick in the head from the striker in the first half could have even had Haaland sent off although Vieira had no complaints about the decision.
But it was his fellow Scandinavian that had the last laugh and that was tough on Andersen after an outstanding performance.
Ratings: Defence
Ederson (4/10):
No chance with either of the goals, but the first came from poor handling when he raced out to stop a ball over the top and he was careless when a throw-out was blocked that could have been given as a goal.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Not as difficult an afternoon as he had at Newcastle the previous weekend, but still struggled to dominate Eberichi Eye in their first-half duel.
John Stones (6/10):
Has looked rusty since the start of the season. Knew little about his own goal and looked uneasy in the first 45 minutes although he improved on the ball after half-time.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
The whole side was culpable for City's inability to defend set-piece but the Portuguese centre-back was flat-footed for both crosses.
Joao Cancelo (6/10):
Guardiola was screaming for more width and more height from the full-back as his side struggled to stretch Palace, and he was withdrawn in the second half.
Midfield
Rodri (7/10):
Performed his usual role of controlling the middle of the pitch and Palace's most threatening moments came when they bypassed him.
Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
He was trying to make things happen in the first half and helped unlock Palace, although he unusually failed to register an assist.
Bernardo Silva (8/10):
Hard work matched with great skill helped City onto the front foot after he had weaved his way past the visitors for the crucial first.
