West Ham boss Julien Lopetegui analysed their game against Manchester City.
West Ham’s manager Julien Lopetegui marvelled over the quality of Erling Haaland, who scored a hat-trick to help Manchester City to a 3-1 victory over the Spaniard’s Hammers.
The Norwegian has now scored a hat-trick in consecutive games, and after praising him, Lopetegui listed four things his team could have done differently to better cope with the former Dortmund striker and Manchester City as a team.
19:30 - 31.08.2024
West Ham vs Man City: Magical Haaland hits three to send champions top of Premier League
Erling Haaland scored a marvelous hat-trick to help Manchester City defeat West Ham 3-1 and climb back to the top of the Premier League.
20:38 - 31.08.2024
Better than Henry: Fans call unstoppable Haaland best striker in PL history
Erling Haaland scored his second hat-trick of the season for Manchester City against West Ham and fans now believe he has earned the title of EPL GOAT.
West Ham 1-3 Manchester City
Haaland wasted no time to register on the score sheet, as he opened up his both to bend one into the far post and give Manchester City the lead inside ten minutes.
West Ham roared back, and their pressure bore fruit when Jarrod Bowen's attempt was turned in by Ruben Dias for an own goal. Haaland restored his side lead before the break, when he released a thunderous shot on the half-hour mark to beat Alphonse Areola.
He completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute after he was released by a beautiful pass from Matheus Nunes. He finished with aplomb, beating substitute goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
What Lopetegui said
Speaking after the match, Lopetegui praised Manchester City but believed his team could have had a better outing if they did these four things: avoid mistakes, play calmly, be resolute in defence and have self-belief.
“That’s right, they can score, make incredible actions, showing one of the best players in the world,” the former Sevilla boss said, per the BBC. “It was a pity because the team made a big effort.
“We have to improve, to know to compete against this kind of team to be close to perfection. Don't make mistakes, be calm, defend well, believe in you—we have quality players too.
We are able to play, second half we did but we don’t take advantage of this good work in the second half.
Speaking specifically about Haaland, he said, “He is one of the best players in the world; that's why he plays for Manchester City.”
“You have to compete with these kind of players. City has the power and the quality to create chances. Today I think the first goal was a pity for us but I’ve said it. I was happy with the performance think we were able to draw but again they damage us.”