Erling Haaland scores twice as Man City go top, while Chelsea come from two down to draw at Newcastle in the Premier League.
MANCHESTER: Erling Haaland propelled Manchester City to the Premier League summit with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United.
The Norwegian striker opened the scoring after just five minutes and later added his 38th goal of the season to seal the win.
Haaland also turned provider, setting up Tijjani Reijnders for his first Etihad Stadium goal just before half-time.
The result marks City’s seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, moving them one point above Arsenal.
Chelsea staged a second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United.
The Magpies dominated the first half and led 2-0 through a Nick Woltemade double.
Reece James’s brilliant free-kick sparked the revival before Joao Pedro capitalised on a defensive error to equalise.
Newcastle were left aggrieved after two late penalty appeals and a call for James to be sent off were dismissed by the officials.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said he was happy with the recent results despite ongoing speculation.
“My last week has not been complicated, it has been good,” Maresca stated.
Liverpool visit Tottenham Hotspur later on Saturday aiming to continue their improved form without the departed Mohamed Salah.
In other matches, Brentford defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Molineux through a Keane Lewis-Potter brace.
Burnley ended a seven-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, thanks to Armando Broja’s 90th-minute equaliser.
Sunderland moved up to fifth after playing out a 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. – AFP
