Haaland bags brace as Man City see off West Ham

Haaland bags brace as Man City see off West Ham

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Erling Haaland opened his Premier League goal account with Manchester City as the champions began their title defence in a 2-0 win at West Ham United. Haaland scored both goals as Man City move fourth on the Premier League table.

Haaland found the back of the net from 12 yards with a coolly-struck spot-kick to open the scoring (26), before latching onto Kevin De Bruyne’s defence-splitting ball and slotting home his second of the afternoon (65).

Haaland was on as substitute for injured Lukasz Fabianski but was helpless when Haaland wrapped up City’s win after 65 minutes with a composed left-foot finish from Kevin de Bruyne’s perfect pass.

The 22-year-old Norwegian striker is the second debutant in Premier League history to win a penalty and then successfully convert it, and the second striker to register twice on their City debut, matching Sergio Aguero’s feat from August 2011.

West Ham’s best moment came in the first two minutes as Jarrod Bowen’s strike was blocked on the six yard box was blocked by Nathan Ake.

Haaland could have netted his third on 70 minutes as he headed Jack Grealish’s cross over the bar but the 22-year-old put in more than a good shift as he helped his new club get off to the ideal start.

With his brace, Haaland has sent a message to any doubters,