LONDON, (Reuters) – Arsenal maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with a fifth consecutive win but Manchester City’s new signing Erling Haaland stole the limelight with his second hat-trick in 6-0 romp over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
Newcastle United’s record signing Alexander Isak scored on his debut to put his side ahead at Anfield but Liverpool snatched a 2-1 victory deep in stoppage time through Fabio Carvalho. Tottenham Hotspur remained unbeaten but were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham United.
Haaland’s eagerly-awaited arrival at Manchester City has seen the Norwegian make a spectacular impact.
After scoring three times in the second half in a win over Crystal Palace at the weekend, Haaland struck three times in the opening 38 minutes as rampant City overwhelmed Forest.
He has scored nine goals in five league games since joining City from Borussia Dortmund — a record. “It was about keeping doing what we did in the second half against Palace, play, play, play — it was nice. It’s been good so far, I’m not complaining,” he said.
Haaland put City ahead in the 12th minute after a pass by Phil Foden and Foden provided the assist for Haaland’s second.
Haaland completed his treble with a powerful header.
Argentine Julian Alvarez, another new signing for the champions, scored twice after the break as City again displayed their formidable firepower.City have 13 points from their five games and have scored 19 goals but Arsenal are setting the pace.
Mikel Arteta’s claimed a fifth win as they edged Aston Villa 2-1 at The Emirates — Brazilian strike duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both on target for the Gunners.
