Man City hero Erling Haaland follows Man Utd and Liverpool legends in rare achievement with first-half hat-trick in massive win against Wolves

Haaland scored twice in the opening 35 minutes and completed the treble in the third minute of first half stoppage time. It is the second time he has managed a first half hat-trick in the Premier League, matching only two other players who have done that in the past: Andrew Cole and Michael Owen. The Norwegian even added a fourth for good measure early in the second half.

The first time Haaland scored a first half hat-trick was one in his earliest Premier League appearances back in August 2022. He netted three times in the opening 38 minutes as City thrashed then newly promoted Nottingham Forest 6-0 at the Etihad.

Haaland went on to net a fourth goal against Wolves, taking him up to 25 in the Premier League for the season, and five clear of nearest Golden Boot rival Cole Palmer, who is next in action on Sunday when Chelsea host West Ham. The Norwegian is unlikely to get close to matching his record-breaking 36 goals from last season but is on course to retain the top scorer award anyway.

Haaland's goal threat in remaining fixtures against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham will be crucial if City are to overtake Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are a point ahead but have played a game more, before the season is out. City also face Manchester United in the FA Cup final again on May 25 with the chance to complete a domestic double.