Julen Lopetegui would have disappointed to lose two out of his three Premier League games as West Ham United manager against Manchester City.
Lopetegui would have been hopeful of the hosts springing a surprise against City after his side started the game in a manner where it seemed like they were out to take home the all-important three points.
The Hammers supporters were audibly willing their team on to search for an early goal as Pep Guardiola’s men were under the cosh.
Even at the start of the second-half, it seemed West Ham’s will to win had not died out despite them being 2-1 down at the break.
But ultimately, Erling Haaland’s heroics ensured there was no cause for concern for the visitors as the Irons now just have three points to their name in their first three league games.
Haaland equalled Paul Jewell’s feat from the 1994/1995 season in League Two where he scored two hat-tricks in his side’s three first league outings.
Lopetegui hails Erling Haaland after Man City beat West Ham
Players of the £375,000-a-week man’s ilk virtually guarantee that their side always have a chance of winning any game across any competition in world football.
The 24-year-old is well and truly a match-winner and perhaps the biggest one in the game currently.
Even Rico Lewis praised Haaland in the aftermath of the clash and admitted “it’s unbelievable” how merciless he is in front of goal.
The Leeds-born striker took home his second match ball of the season as the Sky Blues’ start to the season remains unscathed heading into the international break.
After Manchester City beat West Ham, Julen Lopetegui told Sky Sports that Haaland is a player who is simply world-class and one who will capitalise on any potential errors.
“I have seen the match again. But I think in the first goal, in my opinion, we can do much better but that’s why he’s one of the best players around the world.”
“He doesn’t forgive this kind of chance and he makes the difference when you play against these players and teams.”
Erling Haaland looks back to his clinical best
Last season, there were games where it seemed like Haaland had not worn his shooting boots but that does not seem the case three games into this campaign.
Barring the former Borussia Dortmund’s headed miss at the start of the game, it is tough to pinpoint any other chance in the game as well as against Chelsea and Ipswich Town where the star striker could have done better.
Haaland looks as clinical he did during his debut season at City; a frightening prospect for other Premier League sides as he seems set to punish any errors an opposition make.
As Lopetegui stated, when Lucas Paqueta lost the ball and Haaland was sent clean through on goal, a player of his calibre seemed guaranteed to make West Ham pay for their mistake.
Managers across the English top-flight will have to hope and pray on the sidelines that their teams do not lose their concentration for even a split second when the Manchester City phenom is in and around the goal.
Otherwise, not only will Haaland relish such opportunities but due to how ruthless his finishing has looked so far, he will make their team pay and the floodgates could potentially open as well.
