Haaland’s Double Secures Manchester City Comeback Win Over Brentford.
Erling Haaland continued his prolific Premier League form, scoring twice as Manchester City overturned a nightmare start to secure a 3-1 victory over Brentford, maintaining their 100% record in the league.
The match at the Etihad Stadium got off to a shocking start as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa found the net after just 23 seconds, the fastest goal in the top flight this season. The forward pounced after a defensive mix-up between John Stones and goalkeeper Ederson, capitalising on Keane Lewis-Potter’s headed pass to tap into an empty net.
City appeared rattled by the early setback, but Haaland quickly restored calm, slotting home after Kevin de Bruyne was dispossessed inside the Brentford box. The Norwegian striker then doubled his tally before half-time, outmuscling Ethan Pinnock to latch onto Ederson’s long ball and finish with composure.
Haaland, who was playing despite the emotional toll of losing a close family friend earlier in the week, took his Premier League goal tally to nine for the season. The 23-year-old was tantalisingly close to becoming only the fifth player in English top-flight history—and the first since 1946—to score hat-tricks in three consecutive matches.
He came close on several occasions, with Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken tipping a goal-bound effort over the bar, and Haaland striking the post with an instinctive shot before failing to convert the rebound.
Despite the crowd urging him on and his father Alfie watching from the stands, Haaland had to settle for a brace. Manager Pep Guardiola kept the striker on the pitch, even with City’s upcoming Champions League rematch against Inter Milan on Wednesday.
With this victory, City extended their flawless Premier League run, while Haaland’s remarkable goal-scoring form continues to propel them towards more success this season.
