Even on those rare occasions when it seems they might be at risk of slipping up, Manchester City can always draw strength from the likelihood of Erling Haaland producing the unanswerable ruthlessness that made the difference in this victory over an insubordinate West Ham.
Be afraid. After falling below peak sharpness at the end of last season, Haaland is back to his awesome best and is making defenders tremble again. Another hat-trick to follow on from last week’s destruction of Ipswich brought the striker to seven goals in his first three games and ensured that City, who lived dangerously at times, maintained their perfect start on an evening when West Ham saw signs that Julen Lopetegui’s attempts to play a more expansive style will bear fruit in the long run.
