“Erling Haaland Smashes Premier League Record in Clash with Brentford, Falling Just Short of Hat-Trick Feat”

“Erling Haaland Shatters Premier League Record Against Brentford, Even Without Hat-Trick Milestone”

Haaland was in the goals again at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City star Erling Haaland broke yet another Premier League record in his side’s 2-1 win over Brentford.

The Bees took a surprise first-minute lead at the Etihad Stadium through Yoane Wissa – with City also conceding against Ipswich in the first 60 seconds of their last Premier League match.

But just like the Ipswich clash, Pep Guardiola’s side quickly began a comeback, and a brace from Haaland either side of half-time ensured a fourth consecutive win this season.

The Norwegian was looking to become the first player ever to score three consecutive hat-tricks in English top division football.

But while he missed out on that landmark, he did secure a Premier League record to make up for it.

He has now scored more Premier League goals (nine) in the first four games of a season than any other player.

And remarkably, at full-time Haaland had scored more goals himself this season than any other Premier League team as a collective has managed so far.

The Norwegian elected to play against Brentford despite being granted compassionate leave by the club after the passing of a close family friend.

Speaking after the match, City boss Guardiola told BBC Sport: “It was a tough week for him, but yesterday was a bit better and we tried to help him.

“Sometimes that’s the best way [to deal with it], to forget things and do what you do you best, do your job, and he did that again.

City team-mate Jack Grealish, meanwhile, told the club’s official website: “I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“We all know that he’s had a difficult week, him and his family. I send all my love to them.

“It does speak volumes about him as a person and his mental strength. To come out there today and perform like that and score two goals for us to get the win, I’m sure that it’s everything his family would have wanted.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him for that.”