Haaland had three goals in four outings this season before the visit of Fulham on Saturday, but had gone four games at the Etihad without scoring, going back to his hat-trick against West Ham at the end of last season.
After setting up Julian Alvarez to open the scoring against Fulham, City conceded an equaliser and were lucky to go in ahead after a sloppy first half. But Haaland&aposs second-half hat-trick earned the three points and took his tally to 38 Etihad goals in 28 games. He also broke the record for the player to reach 50 Premier League goal involvements in the quickest time – in just his 39th game.
“It started a bit sloppy but we ended in a good way,” he told Premier League Productions at full-time. “Important win, we go into the international break having won four in four. Good start to the season.
“I&aposm back. No problem for me. I am always hungry. It&aposs a new season and I am ready for it.”
City have started slowly in most of their games this season, often coming alive after the break when Pep Guardiola or Juanma Lillo can offer some tactical advice.
Haaland doesn&apost see that trend as a negative, though, instead noting that it reflects City&aposs treble-winning achievements of last season, which qualified them for two extra fixtures at the start of the current campaign.
“Every year is like this at this club,” he explained. “We start a bit late and a bit sloppy because we play right until the last game [of every season] because we are the best club. It is how it is. We will only get better and better from here.”
