Erling Haaland put on a stunning performance with a hat-trick, leading Manchester City to a resounding 5-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Son Heung-min also dazzled with a hat-trick of his own as Tottenham Hotspur secured a 5-2 win against Burnley. However, Chelsea’s massive spending in the transfer market has yet to yield positive results, as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against Nottingham Forest.

City’s Dominance Continues

Manchester City continued their flawless start to the Premier League season with a convincing 5-1 win over Fulham on Saturday. Despite not hitting top gear, the English champions managed to secure three points. Notably, City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, was absent due to back surgery in his native Catalonia.

The home side struggled to create opportunities until Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 31st minute, converting Haaland’s cross. Fulham quickly responded with a goal from Tim Ream after a corner kick.

City regained the lead controversially through a set-piece. Nathan Ake’s header was allowed to stand, even though Manuel Akanji, in an offside position, jumped over the ball. Haaland then took center stage in the second half, becoming the fastest player to reach 40 Premier League goals in just 39 appearances. He netted a cool finish from Phil Foden’s through ball, converted a penalty, and completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, tallying six goals in five games this season.

Son Shines for Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur, under the management of Ange Postecoglou, continued their impressive start to the season, sitting just two points behind City. Burnley took an early lead through Lyle Foster in the 4th minute, but Son, playing in a more central role, quickly turned the tide.

Son equalized with a deft chip before Cristian Romero’s thunderous strike put the visitors ahead in first-half stoppage time. James Maddison extended Tottenham’s lead with a curling finish from the edge of the box, and Son completed his hat-trick with two goals in three minutes, sealing a 5-2 victory for Spurs.

Chelsea’s Billion-Pound Investment Yet to Pay Off

Despite Chelsea’s astronomical spending in the transfer market, which exceeded £1 billion ($1.3 billion) under a consortium led by Todd Boehly in just over a year, their investment is still to bear fruit. Last month, the British transfer record was broken with Moises Caicedo’s move from Brighton, potentially rising to £115 million.

However, Chelsea’s lack of a natural goalscorer was evident as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Nottingham Forest. Anthony Elanga capitalized on a mistake by Caicedo, slotting home three minutes into the second half.

Even with the introduction of new signing Cole Palmer, Chelsea couldn’t turn the game around. Mauricio Pochettino, the manager, has won only one of his first four games in charge, leaving Chelsea eight points behind the leaders, Manchester City.

Other Results

In other Premier League matches, Bournemouth was denied their first win under Andoni Iraola as Bryan Mbuemo secured a 2-2 draw for Brentford. Sheffield United and Everton also secured their first point of the season after a thrilling 2-2 draw in the lunchtime kick-off.

Cameron Archer’s debut strike and a Jordan Pickford own goal put Sheffield United in front after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s early opener for Everton. Arnaut Danjuma equalized early in the second half, but Everton needed some heroics from Pickford in stoppage time to avoid a fourth straight defeat.

(This story has not been edited by Smartkhabrinews staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)