'Let him do what he wants' - Erling Haaland's stunning display against West Ham was 'unbelievable' for more than just his hat-trick, says Pep Guardiola

Haaland scored a superb hat-trick against West Ham on Saturday as City won 3-1 at the London Stadium. His three exceptional finishes, including a powerful drive that appeared virtually unstoppable, marked his second successive hat-trick, having also scored three times against Ipswich last weekend.

Guardiola has waxed lyrical about the Norway international, insisting that while his goals were superb, he did not do a single thing wrong with the ball. So good was his performance, he insists he doesn't have to give Haaland any real instructions.

Guardiola told Sky Sports: "From the beginning he was unbelievable. The second goal, even the first. The third goal is something unique. With this mindset he has, everything he can do. The numbers with the short age and the games he's played.

"He's loved for what he does on the pitch. You have to let him do what he wants. He scored three goals today but he didn't lose one ball. Today is one of the games where he has played the best in all situations. When you see the games and see what we want to do, he understands because he is a smart guy. He wants to score goals."

After the international break, Haaland will be out to score his third successive hat-trick against Brentford on September 14.