Erling Haaland scores brilliant first-half hat-trick against Nottingham Forest, he is unstoppable

Erling Haaland has continued his remarkable start at Manchester City with a quick-fire hat-trick in the first half against Nottingham Forest.

Haaland scored three times inside 38 minutes to take his tally for the season to an incredible nine goals in just five Premier League matches.

It is the most scored by a player in August in Premier League history, smashing the previous record of six.

It took City just 12 minutes to take the lead at the Etihad, Haaland turning the ball in after Phil Foden's cross had deflected into his path.

They moved further in front after 23 minutes, when Haaland tapped the ball home after Foden had squared it to him across the face of goal.

City thought they had a third later in the half but John Stones' close-range close finish was ruled out for offside.

It only takes one touch! ✨

Erling Haaland continues to take the Premier League by storm with a smart finish! 🔷 pic.twitter.com/5LsYrbz8xm

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 31, 2022

The simplest of finishes for Erling Haaland!

It's still August and he's scored EIGHT goals for Manchester City! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RhTZdcuA2x

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 31, 2022

But they would get their third in the 38th minute - Haaland once again scoring for the home side with a header from inside the six yard box.

It is the second match in a row he has scored a hat-trick after also achieving the feat against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Fans were blown away by the Norwegian's impressive first-half performance.

This Erling Haaland lad is pretty good, eh? 😂🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/IYAK5T4ple

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 31, 2022

When you realize that Erling Haaland has scored more Premier League goals this season (9) than Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, West Ham and Aston Villa combined (8) 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ZzQNBQW7AD

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 31, 2022

BACK-TO-BACK HAT TRICKS FOR ERLING HAALAND 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qR9Ft0zpw9

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 31, 2022

Premier League defences watching Erling Haaland pic.twitter.com/owKSqzqils

— SPORTbible (@sportbible) August 31, 2022

"People who said 'he can only do it in the Bundesliga', wonder what those people will say now," wrote one supporter on Twitter.

Another added: "And people thought he wouldn't be able to do it in the prem."

Meanwhile, another wrote: "The best number 9 in the world, nobody else comes close."

City would go on to win the match 6-0, with a second half goal from Joao Cancelo and a brace from Julian Alvarez securing an emphatic victory for the home side.