Haaland, Son hit hat-tricks in Premier League games

Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City maintained their perfect Premier League start with a 5-1 thrashing of Fulham on Saturday, as Son Heung-min also netted three times in Tottenham’s 5-2 victory at Burnley.

City had not had a shot on target until Julian Alvarez turned home Haaland’s cross to open the scoring on 31 minutes.

Fulham, who were missing influential midfielder Joao Palhinha after his deadline day move to Bayern Munich collapsed on Friday, responded immediately when Tim Ream tapped in from a corner.

City needed a set-piece of their own to restore the lead in controversial circumstances.

Nathan Ake’s header was allowed to stand despite Manuel Akanji, who was in an offside position, jumping over the ball.

Haaland then exploded after the break. He became the fastest player to reach 40 Premier League goals, in just 39 appearances, with a cool finish from Phil Foden’s through ball.

The Norwegian then put his missed penalty at Sheffield United last weekend behind him to slot home from the spot.

READ ALSO: Haaland beats De Bruyne, Messi to win UEFA men’s player of the year

He made it six goals in five games this season by completing his hat-trick in stoppage time.

The English champions were without manager Pep Guardiola as he recovers from back surgery in his native Catalonia.

Meanwhile, Tottenham sit just two points behind City as their sparkling start under Ange Postecoglou continued.

Burnley had taken the lead after just four minutes at Turf Moor through Lyle Foster.

But Son, who was moved into a more central role by Postecoglou in place of Richarlison, soon proved his manager had pulled off another masterstroke.

The Tottenham captain’s deft chip levelled before a thunderous strike from Cristian Romero put the visitors in front in first-half stoppage time.

James Maddison’s curling finish from the edge of the box made it 3-1 before Son took centre stage to score twice in three minutes to complete his hat-trick.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, were denied their first win under Andoni Iraola as Bryan Mbuemo snatched a 2-2 draw for Brentford.

Sheffield United and Everton secured their first point of the season after a pulsating 2-2 draw in the lunchtime kick-off.

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Segun Ojo

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