Erling Haaland showcased his prowess with a four-goal spree, spearheading Manchester City to a resounding 5-1 victory over Wolverhampton, ensuring their grip on the Premier League title race remained firm.
Responding emphatically to Arsenal’s earlier triumph, Haaland orchestrated City’s dominance with clinical precision. His first-half hat trick, including two expertly taken penalties and a towering header, set the tone. The Norwegian phenom further stamped his authority with a sublime curling strike to complete his quadruple.
Substitute Julian Alvarez joined the scoring fray, while Wolves salvaged a consolation goal through Hwang Hee-chan. Despite City’s relentless onslaught, Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, serving a touchline ban, could only watch as his side struggled to contain the relentless City attack.
City’s intent was palpable from the outset, with Haaland’s opening penalty setting the tone. The decision sparked debate, but Haaland calmly dispatched the spot kick. City could have added more, with Kevin De Bruyne and Haaland both threatening, but poor finishing and solid goalkeeping from Wolves’ Jose Sa kept the scoreline respectable.
The second goal, a majestic header from Haaland off Rodri’s cross, further solidified City’s dominance. Haaland completed his hat trick just before halftime from the penalty spot again, albeit amidst controversy, as the referee eventually awarded the spot kick after consulting the pitchside monitor.
Wolves briefly interrupted City’s onslaught with a goal from Hwang Hee-chan, but any hopes of a comeback were swiftly extinguished by Haaland’s fourth, a thunderous strike after a swift counter-attack.
Despite Sa’s heroics in denying Haaland a fifth, Alvarez sealed the win with a late goal, ensuring City’s relentless pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive league title remained on track.
