The striker grabbed a treble after working up a superb understanding with his co-star
Erling Haaland smashed in his seventh Manchester City hat-trick after working up a wonderful partnership with Julian Alvarez, turning a tricky fixture against Fulham into an eventual thrashing. The little and large partnership did not always work well last season but here the Norwegian and the Argentine were on exactly the same page.
Haaland squared for Alvarez to knock in the opening goal in the 31st minute, only for Tim Ream to pounce and equalise two minutes later. Nathan Ake powered in a header to restore City’s lead on the stroke of half-time and Haaland made sure of the three points with three strikes in the second half, two served up by partner in crime Alvarez.
It crowned an excellent week for Haaland, who won the PFA Men’s Player of the Year award in recognition of his record-breaking season. It was far from a fluid performance from City although Phil Foden was in mesmeric mood and, thanks to their brilliant strike pairing, the champions have four wins from four.
Article continues below
GOAL rates Man City’s players from the Etihad Stadium…
Nathan Ake Manchester City 2023-24Getty
Goalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (4/10):
Gave an unconvincing performance and should have done better with Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s shot which he spilled at Ream’s feet.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Led with authority at the back but not as influential in attack as in earlier games.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Pretty solid without being outstanding.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Played the ‘John Stones role’ for much of the game, stepping into midfield and building attacks. Played a crucial if controversial part in the second goal.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Looked a bit uncomfortable on his return to the left-back position, making a couple of bad passes. But compensated by heading City back in front.
Phil Foden Manchester City 2023-24Getty
Midfield
Phil Foden (8/10):
Played some wonderful football, gliding past Fulham’s defenders as if they were plastic cones. Created a lot of City’s best moments, including the corner from which Ake scored.
Rodri (6/10):
Looked a little rusty, playing imprecise passes.
Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Played with purpose and flair. Played a beautiful pass to slice open Fulham’s defence for the opening goal.
Jeremy Doku (5/10):
Had a pretty unremarkable debut. Made some nice touches which drew applause from the fans but didn’t do many things of note.
Erling Haaland Manchester City 2023-24Getty
Attack
Erling Haaland (10/10):
The Norwegian had not scored in his previous four matches at the Etihad but filled his boots here, aided by Alvarez. Scored his first hat-trick since his treble against Burnley in March.
Julian Alvarez (8/10):
One goal and two assists. Had a superb game, dovetailing to devastating effect with Haaland and getting his scoring touch back after missing a pair of glaring chances against Sheffield United.8Juanma LilloGetty
Subs & Manager
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Kept City’s play flowing in the 15 minutes he was on.
Sergio Gomez (7/10):
Gave City extra potency down the flanks and grabbed a rare assist.
Kalvin Phillips (N/A):
Only introduced for the final five minutes.
Oscar Bobb (N/A):
Came on in added time to make his Premier League debut.
Rico Lewis (N/A)
Came on in added time.
Juanma Lillo (7/10):
Enjoyed a big win in his second and last match in charge after a scrappy victory at Bramall Lane last week. Made a big call by dropping Josko Gvardiol and mad full use of his bench.
