Erling Haaland’s hat trick, featuring two goals within the first five minutes, propelled Manchester City to a 4-2 victory over Chelsea in a friendly match in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday. The reigning Premier League champions demonstrated their dominance, scoring twice within 54 seconds in the first half and twice within 71 seconds in the second half, during their US pre-season tour. Haaland, donning the captain’s armband, showcased his elite skills to a crowd of 71,280.
The 24-year-old Norwegian striker netted a penalty in the fourth minute and capitalized on a Chelsea turnover to score a second goal in the fifth minute, just 17 seconds after the restart.
Oscar Bobb extended City’s lead to three goals in the 55th minute with a left-footed shot after cutting inside from the right wing. Haaland completed his hat trick in the 56th minute, flicking a left-footed shot between two defenders for a 4-0 lead, only 25 seconds after the restart.
Raheem Sterling responded for Chelsea in the 59th minute, and Noni Madueke added a final goal in the 89th, but their efforts were insufficient.
The match served as a preview for the 2024-25 Premier League season opener between the two clubs, set for August 18.
Liverpool Defeats Manchester United
In another pre-season US clash of English giants, Liverpool shut out Manchester United 3-0 before 77,559 fans in Columbia, South Carolina.
Fabio Carvalho, a 21-year-old Portuguese striker, opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 10th minute. Egyptian striker Mo Salah then set up Curtis Jones with a perfect centering pass in the 36th minute, giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead.
Greek player Kostas Tsimikas secured a 3-0 advantage for Liverpool in the 61st minute, scoring off a rebound from the left post.
