Pep Guardiola: Haaland can compete in terms of goals with Cristiano and Messi

Pep Guardiola backed Erling Haaland to reach goal figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester City striker added to his “ridiculous” record with a hat-trick against Ipswich.

The 24-year-old scored his 10th treble in sky blue as the reigning Premier League champions bounced back from Sammie Szmodics’ shock opener for Kieran McKenna’s promoted side.

Haaland’s spot-kick quickly cancelled that out and, after Kevin De Bruyne punished an Aro Muric error, the sharpshooter put City further ahead at the Etihad Stadium.

So good to be back home!