In a clash that showed the gulf in class between the blue and red halves of Manchester, Erling Haaland proved why he is one of the world’s best players. The Norwegian striker was instrumental as Manchester City thrashed Manchester United 6-3 to win their derby clash.
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag faced the biggest test of his time at the club so far when his team went up against his former boss Pep Guardiola’s at Etihad Stadium. The Red Devils had defeated Arsenal in their last league match, and ten Hag was voted as the league’s Manager of the Month in September.
Manchester City wasted no time to show their intent as they took the lead through a fine strike from Phil Foden in the 8th minute of the clash. The reigning league champions continued to pile on the pressure and soon saw their dominance translate to goals.
First, Erling Haaland added his name to the scoresheet with a firm header from a corner-kick delivery by Kevin De Bruyne in the 34th minute to double his side’s advantage. The Norwegian striker then showed brilliant movement and amazing finishing ability to slide home a finish after a pinpoint cross-cum-pass from De Bruyne three minutes later.
Haaland then turned provider as he sent an accurate square ball for Foden to fire home from close range in the 44th minute of the clash. The champions were cruising to victory and the away end emptied as Manchester United faithful could not bear to see their team humiliated in such fashion.
The second half bore immediate fruit for the visitors as deadline day signing Antony stunned the Etihad with an amazing strike from 25 yards that curled past the dive of Ederson in the 56th minute.
Manchester City quickly re-asserted their dominance as Haaland completed his hat-trick with a brilliant finish from inside the box following a low cut-back from Sergi Gomez in the 64th minute, thus becoming the first man in the history of the Premier League to score hat-tricks in three successive home matches.
With Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance, the champions revived memories of their 6-1 win over the Red Devils in 2011-12 as Foden completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute following another Haaland assist.
Manchester United refused to lie down and were rewarded as two substitutes combined to give them a second goal. Fred’s fierce shot was spilled by Ederson, allowing Anthony Martial to head home from close range in the 84th minute for his first goal of the season.
Martial added a second in stoppage time from the penalty spot after he had been fouled by Joao Cancelo in the box.
Manchester City defeated their neighbours to move to within one point of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League.
Haaland became the fastest player to score three hat-tricks in the history of the Premier League, doing so in only eight matches in the competition. The Norwegian striker now has 14 Premier League goals to his name after only eight matches.
Foden and Haaland became only the fourth teammates ever in Premier League history to score hat-tricks in the same match.
