Erling Haaland notched twice on his Premier League debut, the link-up with Kevin De Bruyne was scary

But after an initial quiet period in the early exchanges at the London Stadium, he soon showed just why City paid £51 million to bring him in as their main man up top after two seasons without a recognised striker.

But it was his second strike that will have the Premier League on alert. In the 65th minute, Kevin De Bruyne fizzed in a delicious pass that took out the entire Hammers backline.

Haaland put those extraordinarily big strides to good use by racing clear and providing a clinical first-time finish.

The combination play between De Bruyne and Haaland was sensational and will undoubtedly be the first of many goals they will link up for this season and beyond.

Wayne Rooney, who hit 208 goals in the Premier League, is backing Haaland to win the Golden Boot and believes he will prove to be the difference in the title race.

“Maybe the main way City, under Pep Guardiola, score is though low balls played across the penalty box.

“Haaland scored in exactly that manner on his City debut in a friendly with Bayern Munich and against Liverpool the two big opportunities he passed up were in central positions six yards out that he had moved into during attacks where City switched play wide.

“If he keeps doing that, goal after goal will come — because his finishing ability is not in doubt.”