Erling Haaland was in scintillating form as Manchester City produced a stunning display in the Manchester derby.
City were on the front foot from the first minute as United were second best.
Phil Foden gave Pep Guardiola’s side the lead after just eight minutes after he was found unmarked inside the area.
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Haaland made it 2-0 after heading in from a corner.
City’s third goal was beautifully crafted by Kevin de Bruyne as his sublime pass found Haaland at the far post, who finished expertly.
It was 4-0 before the half time whistle as Haaland turned provider with a brilliant ball across the penalty area which Foden finished off.
United restored some pride when Antony found the back of the net from long range.
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However, it was all about Haaland as he completed his hat-trick in the 64th minute.
Haaland may take all the headlines but Foden later completed a hat-trick of his own as he notched his third in the 73rd minute.
Second half substitute Anthony Martial pulled another goal back for United in the closing stages as City began to take their foot off the gas.
In a match that kept of producing, United were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Martial was fouled by Joao Cancelo. The Frenchman took it and scored to make it 6-3.
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As a result of the victory, the Blues closed the gap to Arsenal at the top of the table to just two points.
It has been a mesmerising start to life as a City player for Haaland as he has now scored a hat-trick in each of his last three home matches against United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace. He has become the first player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick in three successive home games.
Fans were quick to react to Haaland’s performance on social media.
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One fan said: “Oh my goodness. Haaland is just inevitable, how can you even defend against him? It looks impossible to stop him and City.”
Another tweeted: “Haaland has scored three hattrick in three home games man, the guy is a machine. Scary.”
A third fan added: “Wow wow wow, Haaland at it again. Unstoppable. De Bruyne again spectacular and now even Foden has a hattrick. City unplayable.”
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Overall, it was a stunning team performance from Guardiola’s side as they completely outplayed United in every single part of the pitch.
A harrowing reality check for Erik ten Hag and his men after four straight wins in the Premier League against Liverpool, Southampton, Leicester and Arsenal.
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Erling Haaland