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August 31, 2024

‘Unstoppable’ Erling Haaland Sets Premier League Record with Remarkable Start – EPL

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called Erling Haaland ‘unstoppable’ after the striker’s back-to-back hat tricks set a new Premier League goal record in the first three games of a season.

Following a hat trick in a 4-1 victory against Ipswich Town last week, Haaland struck again, scoring all three of City’s goals in their 3-1 win over West Ham on Saturday, bringing his season total to seven.

Haaland’s first goal was a masterful strike past Alphonse Areola after Bernardo Silva set him up for a one-on-one, while his second was a powerful close-range shot that nearly shattered the net.

As he surged toward the goal late in the game, the result seemed inevitable, leading City manager Pep Guardiola to assert that defenders cannot stop Haaland, even with the most extreme tactics.

“The first goal, Bernardo wins the ball, pass the ball and finish or the third goal, with the space behind, it’s unstoppable,” Guardiola told reporters.

“There is no central defender, not even with a gun — it’s impossible, so fast, so powerful.”

The 24-year-old Norwegian’s 11th hat trick for City also made him only the second player in Premier League history, alongside Harry Kane, to achieve consecutive hat tricks in two separate instances.

Guardiola mentioned that Haaland faced minor injuries last season yet still led the league with 27 goals and is now an even more formidable player.

Haaland, who notched his 70th Premier League goal in 69 matches, mentioned the advantages of taking some time to rest.

“I feel good, I feel energized,” he told Sky Sports. I had an extended vacation and preseason. I feel good.

“The years I have been here have been swift. Now I have got some rest in my body and my feet. Now I am ready for more.”

Ex-Ivory Coast, Cardiff defender Sol Bamba dies aged 39

Turkish club Adanaspor announced on Saturday that former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba passed away at 39. Bamba was serving as the club’s technical director

Bamba played for Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City. He played for the Italian team Palermo, Scottish sides Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian, and the Turkish club Trabzonspor.

He earned 46 caps for his country, scoring once, and retired in January 2023. He transitioned into coaching, initially serving as an assistant manager at Cardiff before becoming the technical director at Adanaspor.

“Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before yesterday’s match against Manisa Football Club, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and sadly lost his battle for life,” Adanaspor stated in an announcement.

“Our condolences go out to his family and our community.”

Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021 but was declared cancer-free following a course of chemotherapy.

Cardiff City, where Bamba achieved Premier League promotion in his first season, described his contribution to the club as ‘immeasurable.’

“It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of Club legend, Sol Bamba. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman,” the club stated.

“This is absolutely tragic news. Sol Bamba has passed away at the age of just 39. Our deepest condolences to the family,” the Ivory Coast national football team announced on Instagram.

Leeds United described him as ‘one of the nicest people in football.’

“The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Sol’s family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will forever be in our hearts,” the club said.