Erling Haaland's sensational highlights for Manchester City against West Ham prove he's going to make the Premier League his playground.
After a difficult outing against Liverpool in the Community Shield, Haaland hit the ground running with a brilliant brace in his first English top flight appearance.
The £51 million summer signing took just 35 minutes to open his account in the Premier League, coolly slotting in a penalty that he won himself with a frightening explosion of pace to run in behind and draw the foul from Alphonse Areola.
And then in the second half, he doubled his tally and replicated Sergio Aguero's achievement of scoring twice on his Premier League debut for City.
It was this goal that put the rest of the league on alert. Kevin De Bruyne threaded through a perfect pass that took out the entire West Ham backline and sent Haaland in the clear.
Advert
Again displaying lightning quick acceleration, he latched onto the through ball and produced a clinical first-time finish for his second.
He had another good chance for a hat-trick with a near-post header and produced comedy gold in his first live Sky Sports interview when he swore and said, “I should’ve been there so a bit s**t but that’s how it is.”
Told to watch his language by Geoff Shreeves, Haaland accidentally dropped another expletive when he apologised, saying, "Ah s**t, sorry.”
This, coupled with his shushing of the West Ham supporters, shows that Haaland has the potential to be one of the league's biggest and most colourful characters.
But his display wasn't just about the goals and he linked the play really well in a superb all-round performance at the London Stadium.
Advert
“Erling scoring the two goals, it's important for him and the team and for us and it's another weapon we have now," manager Pep Guardiola said post-match, as per the official Manchester City website.
“But at the same time he's not going to solve all our problems, he's going to add something to us as a team. That's what we are looking for.
“Today, the two goals they were balls in front the centre of defence and we had the feeling we could find him more.
“In the past we didn't have a reference like him and now have it again but at the same time the guys have to put the ball there, especially in transitions.”
Advert
Up next for City is a visit of Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium, with Haaland looking to continue his fine form on his debut debut for the champions next Saturday.
Featured Image Credit: Image: Sky SportsTopics: Manchester City, Premier League, West Ham United, Erling Haaland