Pep Guardiola: Even a defender with a gun could not stop Erling Haaland

Pep Guardiola claimed not even a defender with a gun could halt “unstoppable” Erling Haaland after his latest Manchester City hat-trick shot down West Ham 3-1.

The 24-year-old scored the 24th treble of his career as City made it three wins from three Premier League matches.

“We are happy for another hat-trick and the quality of the finishing but he was so involved with the game today,” said Guardiola.

“He didn’t lose one ball and he played unbelievable – not just with the ball but also defensively and offensively. He gave an extra pass. I’m really pleased for him.

“He’s playing much better in everything. The details, he stays 20 minutes or half an hour after training sessions.

“Last season not even once was he there because he didn’t feel good – tired, niggles.

“He’s so smart he needs the team and what he needs is the team to give him more balls in the final third. We’re going to create those situations because the players are really good in small spaces.

“He’s unstoppable. There’s no central defender, not even with a gun, to stop him.

“We need players with crosses. We improve in that department. After that, we know how clinical he is. Everybody knows it.”

No other Premier League TEAM has scored as many goals as Erling Haaland (7) this season