The striker took his tally to seven goals in three league outings this season, the fastest player in the history of the competition to reach that amount in three fixtures, in a clinical display at the London Stadium.
Haaland now has 70 goals in 69 Premier League appearances and claimed his eighth top-flight hat-trick and his first away from the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian flaunted his array of finishing styles in a masterful display, his first a calm stroke into the net, his second a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, and his third a delicate dink beyond Lukasz Fabianski.
Despite his record-breaking exploits, the forward is hungry for more.
“I feel good. I feel energised. I had a long vacation and a long pre-season. I’m feeling good,” he said. “The years here have gone quick and it’s been going like bam bam bam, now I have a little bit of rest in my body and my feet. I feel really good now and I’m ready for more.
“Only footballers know how important it is to have a break and a long enough break. In the end, you need to calm down your body and mind because it’s a long season and it’s not as easy as everyone thinks. I feel fresh and I feel good, it’s the most important thing.
“I really liked the second [goal]. I liked all of them obviously but the second one was lovely. A lovely ball from Rico [Lewis], a perfect first touch and not a bad finish.
“I like scoring these goals. I like to shoot a little bit hard sometimes. Not only easy shots. It’s good to get a little bit of power out of my body. I’m happy. Of course, three points is the most important thing so I’m happy.
“I feel more refreshed and more energised. So when you do that you can practice on things you want to become better at out of training. I feel good. I want to become better. I’m happy.”
The victory means Pep Guardiola‘s men have made a perfect start to the campaign, winning all three matches to claim a maximum nine points ahead of the international break, with last season’s title-challengers Arsenal sitting on seven points.
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Haaland believes that it is too early to think about the title race and is keen to remain grounded.
“They [Arsenal] haven’t slipped up yet,” he declared. “Three games, nine points. This is a great start.
“But, let’s not think too far ahead, because there’s potentially 70 games left this season. Let’s breathe a bit and take it game by game.”
