Manchester City go into the international break at the top of the Premier League table, having extended their perfect start to the season with another win. The Citizens stormed to a 5-1 win over Fulham at the Etihad on Saturday, which featured a very welcome hat-trick performance from Erling Haaland, who had previously gone four games without scoring at home.

It was a slow start from the champions, who opened up the scoring just after the half an hour mark through Julián Álvarez, only for Fulham’s Tim Ream to find the equaliser two minutes later. However, Nathan Aké popped up just before half-time to put City ahead, setting his side up for Haaland’s dominance in the second half.

The 23-year-old took some time to address City’s form so far this season. Despite them leading the pack with a 100 percent win return, the usual dominant Pep Guardiola side has only been seen in glimpses rather than on full display.

Prior to the Fulham game, City narrowly edged a 1-0 and 2-1 win over Sheffield United and Newcastle respectively, but Haaland is confident in the team and himself as they push forward in the season.

Speaking to Premier League Productions after the match, the Norwegian said: “It started a bit sloppy but we ended in a good way. We go into the international break having won four in four. Good start to the season.

“I’m back. No problem for me. I am always hungry. It’s a new season and I am ready for it.”

Haaland also assured that ‘every year’ is similar at City in the sense of how they start compared to how the season finishes for them.

“Every year is like this at this club. We start a bit late and a bit sloppy because we play right until the last game because we are the best club. It is how it is. We will only get better and better from here.”