Haaland hat-trick as Man City, Brighton topple United and Arsenal with a hard-fought win

Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick to fire Manchester City to a 4-1 victory over promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday and lift the champions to the top of the Premier League table.

They share the summit with Brighton & Hove Albion, who defeated Manchester United 2-1 with a last-gasp goal to give new manager Fabian Huerzeler a victory on his home debut.

Manchester City scored three times in less than four minutes after conceding a shock early goal to crush Ipswich and remain perfect in their quest for a fifth consecutive league title.

Haaland kicked off City’s trio of goals in 191 seconds with a penalty in the 12th minute. Kevin De Bruyne netted less than two minutes later and Haaland struck again in the 16th to all but seal the victory at Etihad Stadium.

“Last season (Haaland) struggled a lot, especially at the beginning,” City manager Pep Guardiola said. “He felt tired and niggles most of the time. This time with the rest with no Euros, he has arrived with a good vibe. The numbers are unbelievable.”

United falter against Brighton

Table toppers Brighton & Hove Albion beat Manchester United 2-1 on Saturday to stay perfect in the Premier League after Joao Pedro scored a late winner in the fifth minute of added time to give new manager Fabian Huerzeler a victory on his home debut.

Brighton striker Danny Welbeck scored the opener against his former club before Amad Diallo drew United level in the second half and the game looked destined for a draw until the dying minutes.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United – The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain – August 24, 2024 Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler celebrates after the match. (REUTERS/Tony O Brien)

But Brighton’s pressure paid off when Simon Adingra found space in the box and chipped the ball over United’s defenders to an unmarked Pedro who headed home to give them their second win of the season.

United had the first opportunity to take the lead 10 minutes into the game when Diogo Dalot crossed the ball to the far post where Diallo failed to convert with a volley.

Brighton took the lead when Kaoru Mitoma received the ball on the left flank before his cross went through United’s defence and into the six-yard box where Welbeck stuck out a leg to score his second goal of the season.

It was Welbeck’s 100th career goal in club football and his sixth against United, the club he spent his formative years at and even won the Premier League title with in 2012-13.

Trossard, Partey earn Arsenal hard-fought win

Second-half goals by Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey earned Arsenal earn a hard-fought 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday as Mikel Arteta’s side continued their perfect start to the Premier League season.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Aston Villa v Arsenal – Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain – August 24, 2024 Arsenal’s Thomas Partey celebrates scoring their second goal. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)

Villa did the double over Arsenal last season, defeats that ultimately cost the Gunners the title, and had plenty of chances to make it three successive wins at Villa Park, striker Ollie Watkins missing two gilt-edged openings.

However, Arsenal weathered the storm, taking the lead in the 67th minute through substitute Trossard, before Partey made sure of the three points 10 minutes later.

Villa supporters headed for the exits, ruing their missed opportunities, as Arsenal’s travelling fans celebrated two wins from two to keep them on track for another serious title challenge.

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