Manchester City's Norwegian striker #09 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 4, 2024. - AFPPIXscored four as Manchester City closed to within three games of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title by thrashing Wolves 5-1 at the Etihad.
Haaland has faced criticism for not matching the standards of his stunning first season in Manchester, when he scored 52 goals as City won the treble. “He was injured, an important one, and he’s so tall to get back to your best form you need time,“ added Guardiola. And Guardiola insisted they will need to win all three matches, despite Arsenal facing a tricky trip away to Manchester United next weekend.
Haaland looked set to complete his hat-trick when he raced through in first-half stoppage time only to be clipped by Nelson Semedo.Haaland showed no mercy to fire home his second hat-trick in as many appearances against Wolves at the Etihad.Any suggestion City could rack up a huge score to chip away at their goal difference deficit compared to Arsenal was punctured as Wolves pulled a goal back early in the second period.