Erling Haaland continues to establish himself as one of the most prolific goal-scorers in Premier League history, equaling Wayne Rooney’s record of seven Premier League hat-tricks with his latest treble in Manchester City’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town. The Norwegian striker, who has quickly become a dominant force in English football since joining Manchester City, demonstrated his clinical finishing ability once again, moving him level with the Manchester United legend in just his third season in the Premier League.
Haaland’s hat-trick against Ipswich is a testament to his remarkable consistency and lethal presence in front of goal. The match did not start as City would have hoped, as Ipswich Town took an early lead through Sammie Szmodics. However, the reigning Premier League champions quickly responded, and within a span of five minutes, they turned the game on its head. Haaland played a pivotal role in this comeback, scoring twice in quick succession on either side of a Kevin De Bruyne goal. His first two goals showcased his predatory instincts in the box, as he capitalized on precise passes and delivered emphatic finishes.
The Norwegian’s impact on the match was undeniable, and he completed his hat-trick in the 88th minute, sealing City’s victory and securing his place alongside Rooney in the all-time Premier League hat-trick rankings. With this performance, Haaland not only surpassed the likes of ex-Liverpool star Luis Suarez, who has six Premier League hat-tricks, but also positioned himself to challenge other legends of the game. Ahead of him now on the all-time list are Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, and Michael Owen, each with eight hat-tricks, as well as Robbie Fowler with nine, Alan Shearer with eleven, and Sergio Aguero, who tops the list with twelve.
Haaland’s rapid rise in the Premier League is particularly impressive given that this is only his third season in the competition. The former Borussia Dortmund forward has already notched hat-tricks against a diverse range of opponents, including Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Fulham, Wolves (twice), and now Ipswich Town. His ability to score against both top-tier teams and mid-table sides speaks to his versatility and adaptability, qualities that have quickly made him one of the most feared strikers in the league.
Guardiola’s Praise: Haaland Compared to Football Legends
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who has overseen Haaland’s development since his arrival in England, was effusive in his praise for the striker following the victory over Ipswich. Guardiola suggested that Haaland could potentially rival the career goal-scoring records of global football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The City boss highlighted Haaland’s incredible numbers, not just in the Premier League but also during his time at RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund, as evidence of his consistent goal-scoring ability across different leagues and competitions.
“He did it in Salzburg and in Germany; the numbers are ridiculous,” Guardiola remarked after the match. “He can compete in terms of goals with Cristiano and Messi. The numbers are unbelievable at his age. He’s an incredible threat, hopefully he can be here for many years.” These comments underscore the high regard in which Guardiola holds Haaland, as well as the potential the manager sees in him to achieve greatness on the global stage.
Guardiola also reflected on Haaland’s growth as a player since joining Manchester City, noting that the striker feels better and more comfortable this season compared to previous ones. “This season, no Euros, relax and arrive well,” Guardiola said, referencing the lack of international tournament distractions that have allowed Haaland to focus entirely on his club football. The City manager also hinted at some tactical adjustments made during the pre-season tour in the United States, which have contributed to Haaland’s improved performances this season.
Despite Guardiola’s caution about overusing his star striker—acknowledging that Haaland “cannot play all the games”—the Norwegian’s ability to deliver when it matters most is clear. His hat-trick against Ipswich is just the latest example of his capacity to influence matches and secure crucial points for Manchester City, a trait that will be vital as the club looks to defend their Premier League title and challenge for other major honors this season.
Haaland’s meteoric rise in the Premier League has not gone unnoticed by fans and pundits alike. His ability to break records and match the achievements of established legends like Wayne Rooney is a clear indication that he is on a path to becoming one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the competition. With several more years likely ahead of him at the top level, Haaland has ample opportunity to continue climbing the ranks and challenging the records set by other iconic strikers.
As Haaland sets his sights on surpassing the eight hat-trick mark achieved by Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, and Michael Owen, and eventually the 12-hat-trick record held by Sergio Aguero, football enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely to see just how far this young star can go. For now, Haaland’s focus will be on maintaining his exceptional form and helping Manchester City achieve their collective goals, but it is clear that his individual achievements will continue to be a major storyline in the Premier League for years to come.
In conclusion, Erling Haaland’s hat-trick against Ipswich Town not only secured a vital win for Manchester City but also solidified his place in Premier League history alongside Wayne Rooney. As he continues to break records and set new benchmarks, Haaland’s journey in English football is shaping up to be nothing short of extraordinary. With the guidance of Pep Guardiola and the support of his teammates, Haaland is well on his way to achieving greatness, and there is no telling just how many more hat-tricks—and records—he will amass before his career is over.
