Haaland breaks EPL record after five matches 

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland fired in a scintillating first-half hat-trick for Manchester City on Wednesday - and fired himself into the record books in the process.

The Norwegian hot-shot has started life at the Etihad with a bang after netting six goals in his first four Premier League games, including a treble against Crystal Palace at the weekend which saw City come from behind to earn all three points.

Not content with netting just one hat-trick this week, Haaland followed up his Palace showing with another three goals as he virtually single-handedly put Nottingham Forest to the sword in Wednesday night's clash. It took the 22-year-old just 12 minutes to get off the mark against Steve Cooper's newly-promoted side.

It was a pure poacher's goal which opened the scoring, as Haaland held off an opponent to prod the ball home past Dean Henderson after Phil Foden's cross had deflected into his path.

Haaland only needed another 11 minute to find the back of the net again, this time presented with a simple tap-in after Neco Williams' tackle on Foden carried the ball into his path after Henderson had conceded possession.

Almost like clockwork, Haaland had cemented his claim for the match ball with 38 minutes gone with another easy finish from close range.

Foden was once again involved, heading Cancelo's cross back across goal before Stones headed it to Haaland to turn it home.

In doing so, Haaland broke a Premier League record by racking up his ninth goal in his first five games.

No other player has amassed that amount in such a short space of time, with the previous record held by Mick Quinn and former City icon Sergio Aguero (both eight), as per Opta Joe.

At this rate Haaland could have the Golden Boot wrapped up by Christmas, with Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic currently his closest competitor on five goals.