Erling Haaland scored four goals, including three in the first half, as Manchester City defeated Wolverhampton 5-1 to maintain their lead in the Premier League title race on Saturday.
Following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth earlier in the day, Pep Guardiola’s team needed a strong response, and Haaland delivered an impressive performance.
The Norwegian striker netted two penalties and a powerful header in the first half, before adding a fourth goal with a well-placed shot. Substitute Julian Alvarez also contributed a goal, while Wolves managed a consolation goal through Hwang Hee-chan.
The win brought City within one point of Arsenal, with three games remaining for City and two for Arsenal. Haaland’s remarkable performance extended his goal tally for the season to 36 in all competitions and put him five goals ahead in the race for the Premier League’s Golden Boot award. It was his ninth hat trick for City.
Despite Wolves’ efforts, they struggled to contain City’s attack, and manager Gary O’Neil, serving a touchline ban, could only watch from the sidelines.
City showed their determination right from the start, and it was no surprise when they took the lead, although there was some debate over the first penalty after 12 minutes.
Josko Gvardiol was getting ready to shoot when Rayan Ait-Nouri tried to clear the ball, and they collided. The decision could have gone either way, but referee Craig Pawson gave the penalty, and Haaland scored it confidently.
With some poor defending from Wolves, City could have scored more goals. Kevin De Bruyne missed a shot, and Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa saved Haaland’s header. Phil Foden also had a chance but lost control at the last moment.
The second goal came in the 35th minute. Rodri won the ball, kept running, and passed to De Bruyne, who then crossed the ball to the back post. Haaland jumped high and headed the ball past Sa.
Haaland completed his hat trick just before halftime with another penalty after Nelson Semedo fouled him. This time, Pawson wasn’t sure, but he awarded the penalty after reviewing the challenge on the pitchside monitor.
Wolves didn’t create many chances before halftime, but they managed to score one goal against the run of play after 53 minutes.
City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes, who had recovered from a shoulder injury, pushed a cross from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, but Hwang was there to score for Wolves.
