Erling Haaland equaled Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney for Premier League hat-tricks with his hat-trick in Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing of Ipswich Town on Sunday.
The Norwegian helped the reigning champions avoid a scare after the Tractor Boys had taken an early lead through Sammie Szmodics. City soon made it three goals in five minutes, with Haaland striking twice either side of Kevin De Bruyne’s effort.
The former Borussia Dortmund striker would complete his hat-trick with a goal in the 88th minute, moving him above former Liverpool star Luis Suarez with six hat-tricks and level with Rooney with seven.
It is only Haaland’s third season in the Premier League but he has already bagged trebles against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Man Utd, Fulham and Wolves twice to go with his own Haunting of Ipswich on Saturday.
Next in the sights of the 24-year-old are Thierry Henry, Harry Kane and Michael Owen, who each scored eight hat-tricks in England’s top flight. Sergio Aguero is the all-time leader with 12, with Alan Shearer second on 11 and Robbie Fowler third on nine.
Speaking after the Ipswich win, city Manager Pep Guardiola claimed the big forward could rival the career goals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi before he retired.
“He did it in Salzburg and in Germany; the numbers are ridiculous,” said Guardiola.
“He can compete in goals with Cristiano and Messi. The numbers are incredible at his age. He is an incredible threat, hopefully he can be here for many years.”
He added: “I said a few weeks ago it feels better than previous seasons.
“This season, no Euros, just relax and come good. We talked a little bit in the United States (on the pre-season tour) because some things I didn’t like and he has changed. Of course, he can’t play every game , we know how important their numbers are.”
Meanwhile, United suffered a late heartbreak like them fell in the 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion in the opening of Gameweek 2.
