Erling Haaland: Chasing History with Three Consecutive Hat-Tricks
As Erling Haaland prepares to face Brentford in the upcoming Premier League match, the football world is abuzz with anticipation. The Norwegian striker aims to achieve a rare feat that has not been accomplished in 75 years: scoring hat-tricks in three consecutive Premier League matches. This remarkable milestone has only been achieved four times in the history of English top-flight football, with three of those instances occurring before 1930. Haaland’s current form and scoring prowess make him a strong contender to join this exclusive club, adding another chapter to his already illustrious career.
The history of consecutive hat-tricks in English football is both fascinating and rare. The first player to achieve this was Frank Osborne of Tottenham Hotspur during the 1925-26 season. Osborne’s journey to this milestone is particularly intriguing because he did not score any goals in the previous season. The change in the offside law led to higher-scoring matches, and Osborne capitalized on this by scoring twice in his first game of the new season. He continued his impressive form, eventually scoring hat-tricks against Liverpool and Leicester. Notably, Osborne remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in a defeat, showcasing his individual brilliance despite the team’s overall performance.
Another player who achieved three consecutive hat-tricks was Scotsman Ernest Jennings for Leeds United in the early autumn of the 1926-27 season. Jennings’ incredible scoring run saw him net a total of 37 goals that season, a record that has only been bettered twice in Leeds’ history. However, despite his individual success, the team faced relegation, highlighting the often solitary nature of such achievements. Jennings’ feat remains a testament to his exceptional talent and the challenges of sustaining such form over an entire season.
Dixie Dean of Everton is arguably the greatest goalscorer in English football history. His legendary 1927-28 season saw him score an astonishing 60 goals, helping Everton secure the league title. Dean’s remarkable tally included seven hat-tricks, with two successive ones in the final two games of the season. He continued his prolific form into the next season, starting with a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers. Dean’s career total of 30 top-flight hat-tricks remains a record to this day, underscoring his unparalleled scoring ability. Haaland, with eight hat-tricks to his name, needs 23 more to surpass Dean’s monumental record.
The post-World War II era saw Albert Stubbs of Liverpool achieve the hat-trick milestone during the 1946-47 season, the first full season after the war. Stubbs, along with his teammate Jack Balmer, scored 24 goals each that season. Remarkably, ten of Balmer’s goals came in three consecutive games, cementing his place in football history. This period marked a resurgence in football, with players like Stubbs and Balmer captivating fans with their scoring exploits. Haaland’s pursuit of three consecutive hat-tricks places him in the company of these legendary figures, adding a modern twist to a storied tradition.
Manchester City’s upcoming match against Brentford is not just about Haaland’s quest for history; it is also a significant fixture in the context of the Premier League season. City manager Pep Guardiola faces a dilemma regarding Haaland’s mental and physical readiness following the death of a close family friend. Despite this, the team remains strong, with key players like Rodri, Phil Foden, and Savinho returning from illness and injury. However, Nathan Ake’s absence due to a hamstring injury sustained on international duty poses a challenge for the team’s defensive setup.
Brentford, on the other hand, have their own injury concerns. Midfielder Mathias Jensen will be out for a few weeks due to a calf injury, while Rico Henry has suffered a minor setback in his recovery. Gustavo Nunes is sidelined with a stress fracture in his back, but Kristoffer Ajer is fit to play. Despite these setbacks, Brentford have shown resilience and determination, making them a formidable opponent. Their historic victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in 2022 remains a highlight, and they will be looking to replicate that success in the upcoming match.
Manchester City’s home record is nothing short of extraordinary. They have an unbeaten streak of 45 consecutive home games, with 38 wins and seven draws. If they win against Brentford, it will mark their sixth time winning their first four matches of the season, equalling Chelsea’s record. Additionally, City have won their last 12 league matches, all by a margin of at least two goals, setting a new record in English top-flight history. Their dominance is further highlighted by their unbeaten run of 26 Premier League games since a 1-0 defeat in 2023.
Erling Haaland’s individual achievements add another layer of intrigue to this match. With seven goals in the opening three matches of the season, Haaland has matched a record set by Jimmy Greaves in the 1958-59 season. His potential to become the fifth player in English top-flight history to score a hat-trick in three consecutive games is a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless drive. Haaland’s scoring prowess has been a key factor in Manchester City’s success, and his impact on the game is undeniable.
Brentford’s attacking duo of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have been instrumental in their team’s success this season. Together, they have been responsible for all five of Brentford’s goals, showcasing their synergy and effectiveness in front of goal. Wissa, in particular, has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances, while Mbeumo has eight goal involvements in the same period. Their form will be crucial in Brentford’s efforts to challenge Manchester City and potentially secure a positive result.
The Brentford manager, Thomas Frank, has acknowledged the difficulty of stopping Haaland, praising his anticipation and movement on the field. Frank believes that Haaland’s movements in the box are some of the best ever seen, making him nearly impossible to stop. Despite this, Frank remains confident in his team’s ability to put up a tough fight against Manchester City. Brentford’s six points from their first three games indicate a strong start to the season, and they will be looking to build on this momentum.
Overall, the upcoming match between Manchester City and Brentford is highly anticipated, with both teams having had successful starts to the season. Manchester City lead the league, while Brentford have shown promise with their performances. Haaland’s quest for three consecutive hat-tricks adds an extra layer of excitement to the fixture, as fans and pundits alike eagerly await to see if he can achieve this historic milestone. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the best of Premier League football.
In conclusion, Erling Haaland’s pursuit of three consecutive hat-tricks is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. His potential achievement places him in the company of legendary figures in English football history, adding to his already impressive legacy. As Manchester City prepare to face Brentford, the football world will be watching closely, eager to witness history in the making. Whether Haaland succeeds or not, his impact on the game is undeniable, and his quest for greatness continues to captivate fans around the globe.