Erling Haaland scored his 17th Manchester City goal in just 11 games since his debut back in August. In that game - a Community Shield defeat to Liverpool - Haaland was kept quiet by a fitter Liverpool side, and it is the only game to date where he has failed to score or assist for City.
Since then, he's scored 17 times, including three hat-tricks, as well as recording three assists. His latest treble, in a derby demolition of Manchester United, saw him continue to emphatically silence critics who suggested he would struggle in the Premier League after his blank against Liverpool. ALSO READ:Haaland gives brilliant two-word verdict on Man City hat-trick vs Man Utd And Haaland says that game proved to be a reality check on his first domestic appearance for the Blues, prompting him to work harder in his subsequent outings at City.
He told Match of the Day: "Confidence is good, it's always been good. After we played against Liverpool in the Community Shield it was still good after.
I think it was good that match happened, that something happened and [I thought] I have to be a bit more ready." Reflecting on his derby hat-trick, Haaland admitted that City shouldn't have allowed United their three second-half goals, despite the Blues always being in control from their 4-0 half-time lead.